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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The 2021 Hidden Gem targeted for September 11!

While the 2020 Hidden Gem Half Marathon was understandably canceled in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are cautiously optimistic that we’ll be back and better than ever this fall!

Check back in March for further updates on registration and race details.

Those who had registered for the 2020 Hidden Gem will be automatically entered into the 2021 race. Any runner who would like to request a refund less any processing fees may do so by emailing info@flossmoorfuture.com.

Stay safe and stay healthy!

— The Hidden Gem Planning Committee

We hope to see you in 2021!

Saturday, September 11

THE RACE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

Run the Hidden Gem Half Marathon down the idyllic tree-lined streets of Flossmoor! Recognized by CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) as one of “Chicagoland’s most well-organized and well appreciated races,” the second annual Hidden Gem Half Marathon has been named a CARA Runners’ Choice Circuit Race.

The Hidden Gem is a pure road race with minimal backtracks as the course winds through the six distinct neighborhoods of this culturally rich Chicago suburb that is less than 30 miles south of downtown Chicago. Discover the community of Flossmoor, a hidden treasure of the Chicago Southland known for its historic homes, award-winning parks, world-class golf, and warm inclusivity.

The Hidden Gem is an ideal race for both the serious and casual runner. Anyone training for the Chicago Marathon will appreciate the September timing, while those with more modest goals are sure to enjoy a terrifically entertaining run through beautiful, shady neighborhoods stoked with cheering residents. The Hidden Gem is easily reached as Flossmoor sits at the nexus of all major interstates serving Chicago and is home to a conveniently located METRA train station that offers regular service to and from the City.

At the end of the race, runners are invited to stick around for an awards ceremony that includes a rocking post party with live music. The top three overall finishers in the men’s and women’s divisions will be awarded generous cash prizes, and the top finishers by class will be recognized with awards. All participants will receive a medal. The Hidden Gem party rolls right into Flossmoor Fest 2020, an annual neighborhood gathering that celebrates family and friends, old and new.

THE NITTY GRITTY

ABOUT THE HIDDEN GEM HALF MARATHON

USATF Certified (#IL19008NM) course
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 handicapped welcoming.
The Hidden Gem Half Marathon will not, for any reason, issue refunds for registrations made online, by mail or on race weekend.
Please Note: No dogs, strollers, bikes, or rollerblades are allowed in the race.

CLICK HERE to see course map.

ONLINE REGISTRATION closes at midnight on Thursday, September 10th, 2020.

IN PERSON REGISTRATION & RACE PACKET PICK UP

Friday, September 11th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. LOCATION TBD.
Saturday, September 12th (Race Day!) from 6:00 to 7:25 am in the Registration Tent (2548 Central Drive, Flossmoor, IL 60422) near Flossmoor Metra Station's North exit.

HIDDEN GEM HALF MARATHON FEES

Early Bird – through April 30, 2020 = $60

May 1, 2020 – July 31, 2020 = $70

August 1, 2020 – Sept. 10, 2020 = $80

Race Day Registration = TBD

START TIME

7:30 AM

CUT OFF TIME

Three hours (10:30 AM) after which any remaining runners must 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 safety is paramount. The Hidden Gem Half Marathon will not begin if lightning has been sighted/observed/confirmed within 6 miles of any part of the race site or course within 30 minutes of the start time OR if it is highly probable that lightning will strike within this range during the event.

PREMIUMS / SPECIAL FEATURES

All participants in the Half Marathon will receive
An official high-quality race shirt available in unisex sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL.
An event medal.
An official race packet, swag bag, snacks and beverages.
A Special Hidden Gem beer after the race brewed in Flossmoor by Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery (21+ only)
Free entry for themselves and their guests into Flossmoor Fest 2020 — a family-friendly festival of music, art, games and food.

AWARDS

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

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+.
Age group winners determined by chip time.
All Participants will receive a medal.
Awards will be available at the awards table next to the finish tent and must be picked up there. The awards will not be mailed out.

HOW DO I GET TO THE HIDDEN GEM HALF MARATHON AND WHERE CAN I PARK?

PLEASE NOTE: Flossmoor Road Access will be prohibited after 7:00 am.
FROM DOWNTOWN CHICAGO/MILWAUKEE: We strongly recommend taking the Metra Electric Line from the city. Trains leave regularly from Millenium Station. Race registration and start/finish area are within two blocks of Flossmoor Metra Station.
IF DRIVING: We recommend you use GPS to arrive at one of the FREE parking locations:

PARKING LOCATIONS (BEFORE 7:00 AM)

Infant Jesus of Prague School — 1101 Douglas Avenue
Parker Junior High School — 2810 School Street
Western Avenue School — 940 Western Avenue
Flossmoor METRA Station South Parking — 1113 Sterling Avenue

PARKING LOCATION (AFTER 7:00 AM)

Homewood-Flossmoor High School — 999 Kedzie Avenue (0.8 miles from start line)

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 organizers have committed to following the CARA Best Practices Guidelines, rigorous standards that will ensure a quality, safe and operationally sound race.

QUESTIONS? Please contact…

708-267-4540

info@flossmoorsfuture.com

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!

THE VILLAGE OF FLOSSMOOR

ESTABLISHED 1924

THE COURSE

Flossmoor's 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