THE NITTY GRITTY
ABOUT THE HIDDEN GEM HALF MARATHON
The course is USATF Certification (#IL19008NM) and the race is CARA Certified (19041) Half Marathon. Water, energy drinks and snacks will be available along the course at numerous aid stations. Food and drinks will be available to participants at the finish line. The entire course is paved and handicap welcoming. The Hidden Gem Half Marathon will not issue refunds for registration made online, by mail or on race weekend. Please Note: No dogs, strollers, bikes, or rollerblades are allowed in the race.
ONLINE REGISTRATION will close at midnight on Thursday, September 10th, 2020.
IN PERSON REGISTRATION & RACE PACKET PICK UP
Friday, September 11th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. LOCATION TBD
Saturday, September 12th (Race Day!) from 6:00 am to 7:35 am in the Registration Tent located at 2548 Central Drive, Flossmoor, IL 60422 (near Flossmoor Metra Station's North exit).
HIDDEN GEM HALF MARATHON FEES
Early Bird Special — Before April 1, 2020 = $60
Between April 2, 2020 and August 12, 2020 = $70
After August 12, 2020 = $80
CARA discount = $10
START TIME
7:35 AM
CUT OFF TIME
Three hours cut off time. After three hours any remaining runners will need to move to sidewalks.
WEATHER POLICY
Race is on! … Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these runners from the swift completion of their appointed route … BUT the Hidden Gem Half Marathon will not begin if lightning has been present within 6 miles of any part of the race site or course within 30 minutes or it is highly probable that lightning will strike within this range during the event.
PREMIUMS / SPECIAL FEATURES
Participants in the Half-Marathon will receive an official high-quality race shirt available in unisex sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL. All half marathon finishers receive an event medal. All participants will receive an official race packet, swag bag, snacks and beverages. Each participant will receive a Special Hidden Gem beer after the race brewed in Flossmoor by Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery and free entry into Flossmoor Fest 2020 — a family-friendly festival of music, art, games and taste of Flossmoor.
AWARDS
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Overall male and female in the Hidden Gem Half Marathon will be scored by gun time with video back up.
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Age group categories will be scored by chip time. Age groups include: UNDER 20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
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Cash Prizes will be given to the TOP THREE MALE and TOP THREE FEMALE finishers as follows (winners based off of gun time):
1st Place = $1000
2nd Place = $500
3rd Place = $250
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All Participants will receive a medal.
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Age group winners based on chip time. If you won the race or placed in your age group, please pick up your award at the awards table next to the finish tent. The awards will not be mailed out.
HOW DO I GET TO THE HIDDEN GEM HALF MARATHON
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PLEASE NOTE: Flossmoor Road Access will be prohibited after 7:15 am.
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FROM CHICAGO / MILWAUKEE: We strongly recommend taking the Metra Electric Line from the city. Race registration and start/finish area within two blocks of Flossmoor Metra Station. If driving — take Dan Ryan (I-94) south to I-57 South (Memphis). Exit 348 — US 6, 159th Street East to Kedzie Ave. Turn Right (south) on Kedzie until Flossmoor Road. Turn left (East) to FREE parking at Infant Jesus of Prague Church or Parker JR High School plus METRA commuter parking located south of Flossmoor Road on Sterling Avenue.
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FROM THE SOUTH: Take I-57 to Vollmer Road exit East to Kedzie north to Flossmoor Rd. East to Free parking at Infant Jesus of Prague Church and School plus METRA commuter parking located south of Flossmoor Road on Sterling Avenue.
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FROM INDIANA: Take I-94/294 to Halsted Street south to 183rd Street West to Kedzie Ave South to Flossmoor Rd go East to Free parking at Infant Jesus of Prague Church or Parker JR High School plus METRA commuter parking located south of Flossmoor Road on Sterling Avenue.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
Parking is free and ample. There will be free parking for arrival before 7:00 am at Parker Junior High School, Infant Jesus of Prague School, Western Avenue School plus METRA commuter parking located south of Flossmoor Road on Sterling Avenue. Access to certain lots may be restricted after 7:15 am. DOWNLOAD PARKING MAP
GEAR CHECK
A secure area will be reserved for gear check at race registration two blocks from the race start located directly at the north exit from the Flossmoor METRA station. Finishers can claim their gear inside the Beer Garden Tent at the finish line.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
No dogs, strollers, baby joggers, bikes, or rollerblades are allowed in the race.
RUNNER ASSISTANCE
Race participation with wheelchairs or hand cranks will be allowed with a separate start.
This race is CARA Certified and has committed to following the CARA Best Practices Guidelines, a high set of standards for quality, safe and operationally sound races.
QUESTIONS? Please contact…
708-267-4540
BUZZ ABOUT THE GEM
Highly recommend this race for its friendliness, organization and all the little things they do to make it special. I traveled all the way from Miami to run it and fell in love with Flossmoor.
Today's run was amazing! Great course and even better people. Throughout the entire race people were cheering us on, from the students at HF to the residents sitting out on the lawn everyone was cheering. I hope this event happens again next year. I will be there!
Loved every single aspect of the race! Great planning, amazing spectators, HF band and cheerleaders, and all ending up at Flossmoor Fest with the Hidden Gem brew at the finish. My new favorite half!
