HOME | Hidden Gem Half

THE RACE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2019

Run the idyllic, tree-lined streets of Flossmoor, Illinois. This inaugural CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) Certified Race is a pure 13.1-mile road race with minimal backtracks. This beautiful course winds through the six distinct neighborhoods of this culturally rich Chicago suburb. Discover this hidden treasure of the Chicago Southland known for its historic homes, award-winning parks, world-class golf, and warm, inclusive community.

Flossmoor's Hidden Gem Half Marathon is perfectly timed for anyone training for the Chicago Marathon. It is easily reached at the nexus of all major interstates serving Chicago, with convenient Metra train service to and from the city. The race finishes in the heart of downtown Flossmoor, where runners will receive a special edition micro beer from the town’s award-winning Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery and a swag bag to end all swag bags. There will be cash prizes for the top three overall finishers in the men’s and women’s divisions, plus awards for the top finishers by class.

REGISTER TODAY and be a part of the inaugural run of the Hidden Gem!

THE VILLAGE OF FLOSSMOOR

ESTABLISHED 1924

THE COURSE

Flossmoor's inaugural Hidden Gem Half Marathon is an all paved course past parks, schools, churches, sculptures, and golf courses. Located only 30 miles from downtown Chicago in the heart of the Southland, this USTA Certified 13.1-mile race will take runners through Flossmoor's quaint, historic, tree-lined neighborhoods.

LARGE COURSE MAP

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 at the race.

CLICK HERE to see course map.

ONLINE REGISTRATION will close at midnight on Thursday, September 5th, 2019.

IN PERSON REGISTRATION & RACE PACKET PICK UP

Friday, September 6th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. FREE PASTA DINNER- You can pick up your registration packet, bib and swag bag at Flossmoor Country Club 1441 Western Ave, Flossmoor, Il 60422. All registered runners are invited to enjoy a free pasta dinner. Guests are welcome for $11.

Saturday, September 7th (Race Day!) from 6:00 am to 7:35 am. In Registration tent located at 2548 Central Drive, Flossmoor, IL 60422. Located near Flossmoor Metra Station North exit.

HIDDEN GEM HALF MARATHON FEES

Early Bird Special — Before July 1, 2019 = $60

Between July 1, 2019 and August 15, 2019 = $70

After August 16, 2019 = $80

CARA discount = $10

START TIME

7:45 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 pullover available in adult unisex sizes of 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 2019 — a family-friendly festival of music, art, games and taste of Flossmoor.

AWARDS

Overall male and female in the Hidden Gem Half Marathon will be scored by gun time with video back up.
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 and over.

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

All Participants will receive a medal.

Age group winners based off of 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

FROM CHICAGO / MILWAUKEE: We strongly recommend taking the Metra Electric Line from the city. Trains leave Randolph and Millennium stations. 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. PLEASE NOTE: FLOSSMOOR ROAD ACCESS WILL BE PROHIBITED AFTER 7:15 am.
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. NOTE FLOSSMOOR ROAD ACCESS WILL BE PROHIBITED AFTER 7:15 am.
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. NOTE FLOSSMOOR ROAD ACCESS WILL BE Restricted AFTER 7:15 am.

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.

RACECOURSE ENTERTAINMENT

Start---Flossmoor Family Auto (2733 Flossmoor Road)

FunFunFun DJ — 6:30-8:30 AM
Glow Dance Fit (Zumba) — 7:20-7:26 AM IJP West lot (off Douglas Avenue) — Gloria Tarrer
Oliv Blu-7:40 National Anthem—Sound Check at 7:00 AM

Mile 1 Baythorne: Play from 7:45-7:52 AM

HF Drumline — Sarah Whitlock

Mile 2- Ballantrae Residence: Play from 7:45-8:00 AM

DJ Vick (3635 Atholl Street) — Victor Olaleye

Mile 3.5 Flossmoor Hills Residence: Play from 8:00-8:40 AM

Fitness by Rose (3640 Brumley Drive) — Rose Haynes

Mile 4-5-HF High School Campus: Play from 8:00-9:05AM

HF Cheerleaders/Steppers/Dance Teams — East of Path & Bio Pond Path
HF Marching Band on the Football Field — Sarah Whitlock

Mile 6-7 Braemar: Play from 7:40-9:15 AM

Glow Dance Fit (1036 Braemar) — Gloria Tarrer

Mile 7-8 Heather Hill: Play from 8:15-9:40 AM

Joseph the — Blenda & Joe Robertson

Mile 9-10 Carroll/Evan/Gardner: Play from 8:25-10:15 AM

Falling Stars & John Shonkwiler

Mile 10-11 Gardner/Hutchison: Play from 8:35-10:30 AM

DJ Fidel Calderon

Mile 11-12 Flossmoor Park/Vardon Place: Play from 8:40-10:40 AM

TiMELeSS (2430 Vardon Place) — Sam Calhoon
INTENSE Conditioning, Homewood (Greenspace west of Sterling along Flossmoor Road)

Mile 12-13 Leavitt Park: Play from 8:45-10:45 AM

Sounds of Illinois Brass Choir — Rob Calhoon

Finish Line-Sterling Ave — 9:00-11:00 AM

Gem Announcers — Jon Elfner, Terrance Smith & Michael Goldberg
Main Stage — Xtra, Xtra Band

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…

708-965-0166