5K 'Gallop' in Aurora offers a refreshing change of scenery
Runners participating in Saturday's 5K Gallop at Blackberry Farm in Aurora won't stare at the wall. They won't hear the motorized hum of a treadmill. And they won't dodge traffic on city streets.
As one of the earliest 5K races of the season, the third annual run will feature fresh air on a nature path reminiscent of a gallop through the countryside.
That's how organizers describe the jaunt at the farm, 100 S. Barnes Road.
"There's a lot of 5Ks out there, but how many have it where you can run around a lake, with nature and water elements," said Jim Kenney, manager at Red Oak Nature Center and a race volunteer. "The course is beautiful. And it's unique. For a 5K in a pretty urban environment, you won't cross a city street."
Runners who make the race their debut of this year's outdoor running season begin on paved asphalt and crushed limestone on the Virgil Gilman Trail and tree-lined trails around Lake Gregory.
"The flowers are just starting, but it's still better than looking at the wall in the gym," said Sandy Smith, race director and facilities supervisor at Blackberry Farm. "Or being on a treadmill or going around in circles."
The race theme is linked to Blackberry Farm's pony rides that begin annually in May. Organizers this year will emphasize the western theme through music and using old TV lyrics from shows such as "Mr. Ed."
This race, for ages 10 and older, is split into eight age divisions for men and women racers, and it is considered a USA Track and Field-certified course.
Participation has grown since the inaugural race in 2008, which attracted 312 runners. Last year, 448 people participated.
This year, about 420 people were registered days before the race, Smith said, with more expected on race day.
Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers overall, as well as the top male and female finishers in the following age groups: 14 and younger; 15 to 19; 20 to 29; 30 to 39; 40 to 49; 50 to 59; 60 to 69; and 70 and older.
"The forecast for Saturday looks pretty good, so we're hoping we're going to grow this event even more for this year," Kenney said.
The cost to run is $25. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m., followed by the race at 8:30 a.m.
Participants should park across the street from Blackberry Farm at the Splash Country Water Park.
For more information, visit foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.
<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>If you go </b></p>
<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>What:</b> 5K Gallop at Blackberry Farm</p>
<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>When: </b>8:30 a.m. Saturday, March 27</p>
<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>Where:</b> Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora</p>
<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>Cost:</b> $25, registration begins at 7:15 a.m. </p>
<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://foxvalleyparkdistrict.org" target="new">foxvalleyparkdistrict.org</a></p>