12th Annual
Hug An Athlete 5K
Run * Walk * Roll
1:00 PM Start
Sunday February 23, 2025
Presented by
Belvidere Park District
Special Recreation
All net proceeds from the “Hug An Athlete” 5K will benefit the Belvidere Park District's Special Recreation Pirate athletes. The funds will be used towards new sports equipment, uniforms, scholarships for athletes in need, and it will help to grow the program to offer more Special Olympics sports.
The Belvidere Park District's Special Recreation “Pirates” athletes have the option to play in 8 different sports: Spring—Track & Field/Bocce, Summer—Bowling/Softball/Volleyball/Flag Football, and Fall—Basketball/Snowshoe. Our programs have grown over the years and with your participation in the "Hug An Athlete" 5K we will be able to offer more to our great group of athletes.
This year, athletes will meet you at the finish line ready with hugs, fist bumps and high fives!
Registration fees
5K
Price changes in 1 month 13 days-
Run * Walk * Roll
-
$25.00
Tech Shirt/Swag Bag Guaranteed
Nov 1 – Nov 24 -
Register for 5K$30.00
Tech Shirt/Swag Bag Guaranteed
Now registering Nov 25 – Feb 4 -
$35.00
Cotton Shirt/Swag Bag Limited Quantities
Feb 5 – Feb 22 -
$40.00Feb 23 – Feb 23
-
Race Details
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PACKET PICKUP
Friday, February 21—4:00pm-7:00pm
Coach's Corner, 622 S. State St, Belvidere, IL
*Fuel up for the 5k - grab your packet and grab a bite to eat!*
Sunday, February 23—11:00am-12:30pm
Doty Park (RACE SITE)
RACE REGISTRATION FEES
| 11/1/24 - 11/24/24 | Early Registration Rate/Tech Shirt/Swag Bag Guarantee: $25.00 |
| 11/25/24 – 2/4/25 | Tech Shirt/Swag Bag Guarantee: $30.00 |
| 2/5/25 – 2/22/25 | Cotton Shirt/Swag Bag Limited Quantities: $35.00 |
| 2/23/25 | Race Day Registration $40.00 |
Children 5 & Under are free - no registration required.
2025 Race Week Information Coming Soon
AWARDS
Top male & female race finishers will receive a trophy.
Male & female top 3 finishers for each age group will receive medals
12 & under
13-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70 & older
Special race awards (oldest, youngest, turtle, most spirit) will receive certificate & prize.
RACE DAY REGISTRATION
Race day registration will be available from 11:00am-12:30pm for a fee of $40.00. Race day registrants will receive a swag bag on a first come, first serve basis. It is recommended for all to register prior to February 4th, to guarantee a t-shirt & complete swag bag.
TENTATIVE COURSE
The race will be limited to the Belvidere Park District Kishwaukee Riverfront paths. The race will start on the bike path near the Doty Park Pavilion and continue across the river into the Belvidere Park. Map shown above is an approximate course view of the 5K. All paths are ADA accessible and will be cleared & salted if weather permits. Course may be altered due to unforeseen circumstances.
PARKING/DIRECTIONS
Limited parking available: Doty park, at the boat launch off Burgess Street, throughout Belvidere Park, and along Locust Avenue.
Parking may be available in local business lots.
Please abide by volunteers and street laws when parking.
ON THE COURSE
There will be a water station at approximately the 1.2 mile marker located at the left turn leading to the Baltic Mill. The course will be marked with a sign for each completed mile.
POST-RACE
After completion of the race, you will have the opportunity to meet some of the Special Recreation's Pirate athletes that will be giving out post-race hugs.
All finishers will have the opportunity to enjoy snacks and hot cocoa.
Volunteer!!
How to Become a Volunteer
Are you looking for something to do on a bright & sunny Sunday afternoon? Are you happy with a reward of hot cocoa? Then, volunteering with us is the thing to do! In order to volunteer for the "Hug An Athlete" 5K, you must be at least 13 years of age and complete a volunteer application. Click here for the application, or for more info contact Sean Cramer at 815-547-5711 ext 601 or scramer@belviderepark.org
Event schedule
- Fri, February 21, 2025 4:00 PM - Pre Race Day Packet Pick Up 4PM-7PM
- Sun, February 23, 2025 11:00 AM - Race Day Registration and Packet Pick Up
- Sun, February 23, 2025 1:00 PM - 5K Race Start
Contact information
- Event contact
- Katie Humphrey
- Phone
- 815=547-5711 X600
- Website
- Visit website
