Take a walk, run though downtown Elgin Saturday
The 37th Elgin Valley Fox Trot will again feature three races and $1,500 in cash prizes. It steps off from Douglas Avenue and Kimball Street at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, May 24, with the pre-eminent 10-mile race.
It's the first of three races for all levels of competition, including a 5K run that starts at 7:45 a.m. and a 2-mile Walk for a Cause that begins at 7:55 a.m.
It'll be the third year the Fox Trot is not held on Memorial Day. In 2012 the city decided to change the date to the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. It wanted to avoid a conflict with veterans' events, and the weekend race benefits downtown businesses, most of which are closed on the holiday.
The courses all begin in the Center City area and take runners through historic neighborhoods as well as the winding hills and ravines of Lords Park.
The top three male and female finishers in the 5K and 10-mile races will receive cash prizes. First place in the 10-mile race plays $250 and the winners of the 5K each get $200.
The race was selected to be part of the Chicago Area Runners Association competitive circuit of races.
After the race, runners and spectators can unwind at the post-event party, featuring Centerfold playing from 8:15 to 11 a.m. Entrants can get free water, sports drinks, bagels and fruit in the post party zone. Food and drink will be available for purchase, along with family activities. There will be sponsors offering everything from massages to free sample products.
Race day registration will be open 6 to 7:15 a.m. in the field house at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way. It's $40 for the 5K and $55 for the 10-mile; the 2-mile is $12 per person or $40 for a group of four. All registrants will receive a cotton T-shirt, or can upgrade to a tech shirt for $10 extra.
If you go
What: 37th annual Elgin Valley Fox Trot
When: 7:30 a.m. Saturday for 10-mile race; check-in/ same day registration is 6 to 7:15 a.m. at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way.
Where: Races begin at Kimball Street and Douglas Avenue, downtown Elgin.
Cost: Race day registration is $55 for the 10-mile race, $40 for the 5K and $12 per person or $40 for 4 people for the 2-mile Walk for a Cause.
Details: (847) 214-5413 or <a href="http://cityofelgin.org/foxtrot">cityofelgin.org/foxtrot</a>.