Big Timber
XC Challenge
The Challenge is back!
The 2019 Big Timber XC Challenge last November was a huge success, with more than 300 participating runners over four challenging miles of grass and dirt.
For 2020, we have made some modifications to the course to provide the option of running it as a 3-mile or 5-mile distance. And because of COVID, we’ve made some changes to the race format to allow for social distancing and a safer environment for runners, staff and volunteers.
But one thing that hasn’t changed is the legendary creek crossing!
We invite you to “Come, Run Safely and Cross the Creek, and respectfully ask that you leave”. No congregating crowds, no post-race awards ceremony, and (gasp!) no pancakes. Only a morning of running through the woods and beating the challenge.
There are registration restrictions to this event, so be sure to sign up early.
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2020 (rain/snow or shine, warm or cold)
Location: Camp Big Timber, Big Timber Rd at Tyrrell Rd, Elgin (approximately 1 mile south of I-90 and 1 mile west of Randall Road)
Distances: Approximately 3 and 5 Miles
Sunday, November 1, 2020
Sponsored by
&
All proceeds from the race will benefit
Boy Scouts of America Three Fires Council
&
Boy & Girls Club of Elgin
Registration fees
3 Mile Run 7:30 AM Start Closed
Online registration closed-
3.00 Mile Individual Run starting at 7:30 AM
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$40.00Apr 26 – Sep 30
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$45.00Oct 1 – Oct 29
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3 Mile Run 8:30 AM Start Closed
Online registration closed-
3.00 Mile Individual Run starting at 8:30 AM
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$40.00Apr 26 – Sep 30
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$45.00Oct 1 – Oct 29
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5 Mile Run 10:00 AM Start Closed
Online registration closed-
5 Mile Individual Run starting at 10:00 AM
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$40.00Apr 26 – Sep 30
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$45.00Oct 1 – Oct 29
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5 Mile Run 11:30 AM Start Closed
Online registration closed-
5 Mile Individual Run starting at 11:30 AM
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$40.00Apr 26 – Sep 30
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$45.00Oct 1 – Oct 29
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Event Info
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2020 (rain/snow or shine, warm or cold)
Location: Camp Big Timber (CBT), Big Timber Rd at Tyrrell Rd, Elgin (approximately 1 mile south of I-90 and 1 mile west of Randall Road)
Distances: approximate 3-mile and 5-mile.
Race Start Times:
Race I: Open 3-mile 7:30am
Race II: Open 3-mile 8:30am
Race III: Open 5-mile 10:00am
Race IV: Open 5-mile 11:30am
Race Day Safety Guidelines:
Please understand our goal is to provide a challenging and competitive event where everyone can “Come, Run Safely, and Leave.” With that in mind, please observe the following guidelines;
- If you have a fever, are feeling ill or have been in recent contact with someone unrecovered from COVID-19, please do NOT come to the event.
- You MUST be able to finish the 3-mile race in 60 minutes or the 5-mile race in 90 minutes or you may be asked to leave the course in consideration of others in the next race.
- Per the Illinois Department of Public Health recommendations, it is requested a face mask or face covering be worn by everyone when not on the race course and social distancing should be observed.
- NO SPITTING! Participants should carry their own tissues or hand towel for spitting, blowing nose, wiping sweat, etc., before, during and after their race.
- Spectators are discouraged from attending the event. If a family member or friend must attend the event with you, they must wear a face mask at all times and should NOT yell out or shout encouragement to their runner.
- Each race is LIMITED to (45) pre-registered participants. There is NO race day registration and anyone who is not pre-registered will not be allowed to run.
- Unless you are with someone living in the same household, participants should not engage in traditional forms of physical contact such as handshakes, high-fives, hugs, partner stretching, etc.
- Signs, directional arrows, ribbons, and flags will be used as much as possible on the course to cut down on the number of course marshals. Please view the course map and know where you are going before coming to the Start.
Parking: Parking at Camp Big Timber is limited. Please do not arrive hours before your race, and please leave the site as soon as possible after your race to open up parking for others arriving for a later race. If you want to hang out with friends afterwards, Carmina’s Mexican Restaurant on Randall Road is less than a mile from race site and would be great for a post-race warm meal or cold brew.
Age Groups: Due to COVID, there are NO age groups this year, only the four races as detailed above. This eliminates the need for everyone to hang around in a potentially-infectious large group for a post-race awards ceremony.
ALL finishers will receive a custom 2020 BTXCC mug.
Official results will be posted online as soon as possible after all races have been run.
The Overall Male and Female Winner of the 3 mile and the 5 mile race will be notified by race officials and arrangements will be made to get their award to them.
Post-Race Pancake Breakfast: We know many of you enjoyed the post-race Boy Scout pancake breakfast last year. Unfortunately, because of COVID, there will NOT be a breakfast this year. Water and possibly some munchies will be available for you to grab after running, but once again our objective this year can be summed up in five words … COME, RUN SAFELY, and LEAVE.
Gear Check: Due to COVID, we regret we cannot provide a designated Gear Check in the Main Lodge or at the Start/Finish. Keep your things in your car or with someone who is not running.
Entry Fee:
** NOTE: each race will be limited to (45) runners **
Early Registration, until September 30 $40.00
Late Registration, October 1 – October 31 $45.00
There is NO race day registration
What You Receive:
- The opportunity to run a bona fide race
- A printed 2020 BTXCC lightweight sweatshirt
- A 2020 BTXCC finisher’s mug (but you gotta finish to get it!)
Raffle: We will also be drawing numbers for raffle items while each race is in progress. Be sure to check the board at the Finish to see if you have won a prize!
Packet Pick-up:
- Friday, October 30, 6:30-8:00pm at Dick Pond Hoffman Estates store
- Saturday, October 31, 2:00-4:00pm at Dick Pond St Charles store
- Sunday, November 1, starting at 7:00am at race site
Please wear a mask when picking up packet!!
COVID Cancellation Comment: While we have every intention of putting on this event, the health and well being of all runners, spectators, volunteers and organizers is our paramount concern. As a result, if our sponsors, beneficiaries and/or government health officials deem it unsafe to run these races as outlined, we will CANCEL the event and NO REFUNDS will be issued. If we do need to cancel, everyone who is pre-registered will be able to pick up their shirt at the Dick Pond Athletics store in St Charles on a to-be-determined date during regular business hours. Remaining proceeds will be shared with the race beneficiaries. If the Health Department rolls the state of IL back to Phase 3, the race will be cancelled.
Course Information
All races will have a wide cross-country style start in the large grass field south of the Main Lodge and parking area.
Runners will be on the gravel roadway for the first half mile before turning onto a mowed grass pathway to head up a small hill, where they will begin the circuit around the perimeter of the CBT property.
Runners in the 3-mile race will make ONE loop on a course around the perimeter of the camp property, while runners in the 5-mile race will make TWO loops.
After completing the loop(s) of the property, runners will come down the backside of the hill and onto the gravel roadway to head back to the Start/Finish.
The finish will be wide (NOT a single-file chute). Chip timing will be used for determining official finish position.
Much of the course is wide mowed-grass pathways or gravel roadways. There are also a couple of short sections of narrow dirt trails and three short footbridges – please do NOT pass other runners in these sections or on bridges.
There will be NO water stations on the course. You should carry your own water/drink and fuel, and please do NOT share your supply with others.
A bottled water will be available to each runner at the Finish.
The creek is approximately 15-20 feet wide and it will be COLD. Depending on rain or snow in the days before the race, the water may be only ankle deep … or possibly knee-high. There will be a rope suspended between the sides of the creek that you can hold onto, if needed, as you cross. Do not let the creek intimidate you – in some ways, it is the best thing about this event!
3 Mile and 5 Mile Course
*** Please be aware this event is a TRAIL race. Expect to encounter uneven ground, tree roots, rocks, fallen trees, water crossings and other natural barriers that may trip you up or cause you to stumble. Expect to get wet and probably muddy – wear old shoes and bring a change of clothes for after running! If these conditions sound too challenging for you, please do NOT enter this event, there are NO refunds (unless the event is officially cancelled by the organizers due to COVID-19 restrictions).
Heed The Scouts Motto of “Be prepared!”: Because of the creek, it is recommended you wear old shoes and bring a towel and/or a change of clothes with you to the race. You will get wet, and it will probably be cold, so have what you need to make the ride home a little more comfortable.
Volunteers
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers: Yes, we need volunteers to help on race day with packet/bib pick-up and to serve as course marshals and start/finish helpers!
Volunteers should wear a face mask or face covering at all times.
Each volunteer will receive a printed sweatshirt and the eternal gratitude of the race organizers, sponsors, beneficiaries and runners.
If you would like to help out for a portion of race day, please contact Wayne Haworth at wayne@dickpondathletics.com
Event schedule
- Fri, October 30, 2020 6:00 PM - Pre Race Packet Pick Up (Dick Pond Athletics of Hoffman Estates) 6P-8P
- Sat, October 31, 2020 2:00 PM - Pre Race Packet Pick Up (Dick Pond Athletics of St. Charles) 2P-4P
- Sun, November 1, 2020 7:00 AM - On Site Check In (No Race Day Registration)
- Sun, November 1, 2020 7:30 AM - Race I: 3 Mile Race Start
- Sun, November 1, 2020 8:30 AM - Race II: 3 Mile Race Start
- Sun, November 1, 2020 10:00 AM - Race III: 5 Mile Race Start
- Sun, November 1, 2020 11:30 AM - Race IV: 5 Mile Race Start
Contact information
- Event contact
- Wayne Haworth
- Phone
- +1 630-665-3316
- Website
- Visit website
