Great Western Half Marathon

 New This Year!    

Train for the 2013 Great Western Half Marathon with FRTR certified RRCA running coaches.   A 12 week half marathon training program geared to beginner and intermediate levels will be available. Training begins Feb. 16.  Group run will be every Saturday, 8:00 am, Fabyan East Forest Preserve (Windmill)  MAP    

CLICK HERE and look for additional FRTR half marathon program details

The race is limited to 1000 entries to insure a safe and enjoyable race experience. Registration will be close when this limit is reached. The race filled in 3 weeks in 2012 and we anticipate an earlier close in 2013. Once 1000 entries are reached the entry fee will be $100.00 for all categories. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.

The Half Marathon is a USATF Certified course IL-051108-JW. The race is run on the scenic Great Western Trail, which is mostly flat, 37% asphalt and 63% crushed limestone screenings. Mile splits will be given at the 2, 4, 6, 9 and 11 mile markers. Water and Gatorade will be available at six water stations along the course. The course will remain open until 11:00 a.m. allowing for a pace of 13 min 44 seconds to finish. No Strollers, dogs, walkers, roller-skaters or bikes are allowed in the race. For safety reasons, the use of headphones or other electronic devices during the race is STRONGLY discouraged.

Parking for ALL race participants and spectators will be at St. Charles North High School  MAP 

NOTE:  THERE IS NO ONSITE PARKING

Free shuttle buses will be provided to transport everyone to the entrance of LeRoy Oaks Forest Preserve beginning at 6:00 a.m. and continue throughout race day.  Once the race begins spectators will be allowed to enter the preserve and park while spots exist.

Early packet pickup will be available at Dick Pond Athletics, 303 N. 2nd Street (Rte 31), St Charles, IL on Friday, May 3rd from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dick Pond Athletics is located west of the Fox River just north of North Avenue (Rte. 64). 

You may pick up your packet and other participants as well.  If you are picking up more than your own packet,  YOU MUST bring that registrants CONFIRMATION sheet.
This will help the volunteers and get you on your way in a timely fashion.

Race day packet pickup will be available from 6:30 a.m. until 7:45 a.m. at the start area.

There will be water, electrolyte drink, fruit, bagels, pizza and other refreshments for participants near the finish line.

The race starts in the Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles, IL which is accessible from I-88 or I-90. From I-88, exit Orchard road north. At the Randall Road intersection, take Randall Road north to Dean Street in St Charles. Go west (left) on Dean Street ¼ mile to the park entrance. From I-90, take Randall Road south to Dean Street. Go west (right) on Dean Street ¼ mile to the park entrance.

Swag:

All registered runners will receive a technical material race shirt.  All race finishers will receive a commemorative medal.

Awards:

Top three overall Male and Female winners.  Overall winners do not receive age group awards.

Age group awards will be presented to the top three Male and Female finishers in age groups 14 & under, 15-19, 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 & over.