Early bird fee for Lions Heritage Fest 5K Race ends Aug. 31

Register early before the price goes up for the Lions Heritage Fest 5-K Run & 1.6 Mile Walk in Dundee at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14.

Register at lionsheritagefest5k.com. Through Aug. 31, the fee for running is $30 online. After that it is $35 per person until the day of the race. On the day of the race registration is $40. It is $20 for walkers anytime.

All proceeds from the race will benefit the Elgin and Dundee Township Lions clubs and their charities.

Participants are encouraged to donate used eyeglasses and/or a nonperishable food item to the race. These are the two primary charities of Lions Clubs International.

The race will begin at the corner of Oregon Avenue and South First Street in downtown West Dundee and turn south on Second Street, through South End Park, cross the Fox River on a pedestrian bridge, continue south on the Fox River Trail, turn back north before Hickory Drive, and finish in East Dundee. The beginning of the course has a gradual incline, but most of the race is flat; the elevation climb is 54 feet.

All runners and walkers will receive a free "dry fit" T-shirt embossed with the Lions Heritage Fest race logo. Be sure to indicate the size needed when registering. Dogs and strollers are allowed for the walk, but only run-worthy strollers for the 5K.

Registration on race day opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 7:45 a.m. The 5K run and 1.75-mile walk will start at 8 a.m.

Mail-in registrations must be received by Sept. 10. Prerace day packet pickup will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at Emmett's Brewing Co., 128 W. Main St., West Dundee. You can also pick up your packet on race morning starting at 6:30 a.m.

First American Bank, 218 W. Main St. in West Dundee, has donated goody bags. This reusable bag will be given to all participants at either the pre-packet pickup on Friday, Sept. 14 or the morning of the race, Sept. 15. They will be providing everyone with a nutri-grain bar as well as information on other races and purchase deals from several sponsors.

The overall top three females and top three males will be awarded trophies. The first three females and males in various age groups (from age 9 or younger to 60 or older) will receive medals.

Awards will be presented at the post-race celebration within the Heritage Fest Main Stage Tent. A free beverage from Emmett's Brewing Co. will be included for runners that attend the party. Bananas and bagels will also be available at this event within the Heritage Fest Main Stage Tent, just north of the businesses on the north side of Route 72. This event will begin at approximately 9:30 a.m.

There will be free massages from BodyWorks Core Center. The Lions own Mario Martinez will be offering free massages after the race under the Heritage Fest tent.

For information, contact race director Ed Bates at lionsheritagefest5K@gmail.com.