Race has filled and registration now CLOSED
About this event:
This is the 18th annual Great Western Half Marathon and the ninth year at a half marathon distance. The race is hosted by the Fox River Trail Runners, and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Special Olympics, Illinois and FRTR's Youth Scholarship Fund.
Registration fees
Half Marathon - Fox River Trail Runners Member Closed
Online registration closed-
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$45.00Nov 7 – Dec 31
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$50.00Jan 1 – Jan 31
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$55.00Feb 1 – Feb 15
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$100.00Feb 16 – Apr 3
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Half Marathon - Non-Member Closed
Online registration closed-
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$50.00Nov 7 – Dec 31
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$55.00Jan 1 – Jan 31
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$60.00Feb 1 – Feb 15
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$100.00Feb 16 – Apr 3
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Half Marathon + Training Program Closed
Online registration closed-
12 Week Training Plan - Beginning Feb. 9 (Beginners and Intermediate), Weekly group run
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$85.00Nov 7 – Dec 31
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$85.00Jan 1 – Jan 1
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$85.00Jan 2 – Feb 15
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$100.00Feb 15 – Apr 3
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Half Marathon Training Program
Training Program
Train for the 2015 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. 15.
Group run will be every Sunday, 8:00 am, Fabyan East Forest Preserve (Windmill) MAP
Select Training Plan option in registration screens
Field
The race is limited to 1200 entries to ensure a safe and enjoyable race experience. Registration will close when this limit is reached. The 2014 race filled in a few weeks. We anticipate a similiar close in 2015. Once 1000 entries are reached the entry fee will be $100.00 for all categories. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
Half Marathon Course
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
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.
Packet Pick Up
Early packet pickup will be available at Dick Pond Athletics, 303 N. 2nd Street (Rte 31), St Charles, IL on Friday, May 1st from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 2nd 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).
ONLY REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS MAY PICK UP THEIR OWN PACKETS.
YOU WILL BE ASKED FOR A PHOTO ID UPON CHECK IN TO RETRIEVE.
Race day packet pickup will be available from 6:30 a.m. until 7:45 a.m. at the start area.
Race Services
There will be water, electrolyte drink, and other refreshments for participants near the finish line.
Directions
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 & Awards
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.
Event schedule
- Sun, May 3, 2015 8:00 AM - Start Time
Contact information
- Event contact
- Great Western Half Marathon Race Director
- Website
- Visit website