THE RACE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2023
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. Plenty of free parking, METRA train line service to race start line, free beer, medals, and one of Illinois' largest cash prize pools.
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 Hidden Gem has been named a CARA Runners’ Choice Circuit Race.
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 complete with cheering residents. The Hidden Gem is easily reached, as Flossmoor sits at the nexus of all major interstates of Chicago and is served by a conveniently located METRA train station offering regular service to and from the City.
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.
Please Note: RUNNERS MUST FINISH THE RACE IN THREE HOURS (No Walkers).
THE NITTY GRITTY
ABOUT THE HIDDEN GEM HALF MARATHON
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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.
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USATF Certified (#IL19008NM) course
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CARA Certified (22006) Half Marathon
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CARA 2023 Circuit Race
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Water, energy drinks, and snacks will be available along the course at numerous aid stations.
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Food and drinks will be available to participants at the finish line.
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The entire course is paved and accessible for people with disabilities.
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The Hidden Gem Half Marathon will not, for any reason, issue refunds for registrations made online, by mail or on race weekend unless the 2022 race is canceled due to Covid-related reasons. In this case, a refund or credit will be issued.
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Please Note: No walkers, dogs, strollers, bikes, or rollerblades are allowed in the race.
CLICK HERE to see the course map.
REGISTRATION WIll Open in Mid-March 2023
RACE PACKET PICK UP AND GEAR CHECK
Packet Pick-Up will be Friday, September 8th, from 4:30p- 7:30 pm
We will be hosting a FREE pasta dinner for registered runners plus Packet Pick Up on Friday, September 8th at Flossmoor Golf Club located at 1441 Western Avenue in Flossmoor.
Runners can also pick up their packets and GEAR CHECK on Saturday, September 09, 2023 starting at 6:15 am at 2546 Central Dr, Flossmoor.
HIDDEN GEM HALF MARATHON FEES
Early Bird — through May 16, 2023 = $75
May 17, 2022 – July 18, 2023 = $85
July 19, 2022 – September 9, 2023 = $95
PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
START TIME
7:30 AM
CUT OFF TIME
Three hours (10:30 AM) after which any remaining runners MUST move to the sidewalks. Timing and finish line will end at 11:00 am.
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 …
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An official high-quality race shirt..
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An event medal.
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An official race packet, swag bag, snacks and beverages.
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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Cash Prizes will be given to the TOP THREE MALE and TOP THREE FEMALE finishers as follows:
> 1st Place = $1500
> 2nd Place = $750
> 3rd Place = $300
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Age group categories will be scored by chip time. Age groups include: 19 & Under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, and 85 & Over.
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Age group winners are determined by chip time.
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All participants will receive a medal.
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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?
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PLEASE NOTE: Flossmoor Road Access will be prohibited after 7:00 am.
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FROM DOWNTOWN CHICAGO/MILWAUKEE: We strongly recommend taking the Metra Electric Line from the city. Trains leave regularly from Millennium Station. Race registration and start/finish area are within two blocks of Flossmoor Metra Station.
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IF DRIVING: We recommend you use GPS to arrive at one of the FREE parking locations:
PARKING LOCATIONS (BEFORE 7:00 AM)
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Infant Jesus of Prague School — 1101 Douglas Avenue
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Parker Junior High School — 2810 School Street
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Western Avenue School — 940 Western Avenue
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Flossmoor METRA Station South Parking — 1113 Sterling Avenue
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Side street parking off the course route is also allowed (on opposite side of hydrants only).
GEAR CHECK
TBD — We will update details closer to the race based on current COVID protocols.”
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
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.
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