2022 Great Western Half-Marathon & 10K

Start and Finish: LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve

Pace Groups - Yes

This course is USATF Certified. The race is run on the scenic Great Western Trail, which is mostly flat, consisting of asphalt and crushed limestone screenings. The Great Western Trail is a public trail system. Although we have taken many steps to inform the public of the races, the trail is still open to the public, so there will be bikes and others on the path that morning. Please stay to the right side of the path and always leave space to the left for passing runners and runners coming from the opposite direction. At most, please run two abreast, and always be respectful of other path users.

Mile points will be marked along the course so participants can keep track of splits. Water and Gatorade will be available at water stations along the course. Energy gels will be available around mile 7.

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.

Runners cannot be accompanied or assisted by bicyclists and will be disqualified if this occurs. This practice is unfair and dangerous to other runners.

Please listen to volunteers directing you through turns and tight spots on the course.

Train for the 2022 Great Western Half-Marathon with the Fox River Trail Runners (FRTR) and their certified Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) coaches. An 11-week half-marathon training program geared to beginner and intermediate levels is available. Training begins Monday, February 14, and group long runs will be every Saturday, 7:00 AM, at Fabyan East Forest Preserve unless otherwise specified by FRTR or your assigned coach (the first long run is scheduled for Saturday, February 19).

To enroll in the training program, select the Training Plan option during registration.

Parking for ALL race participants is at St. Charles North High School located at 255 Red Gate Road in St. Charles.

Free shuttle busses will be provided to transport participants to the Starting Line and back from the Finishing Line.

Please note: There is very limited on-site parking for participants at LeRoy Oakes. Race participant drop-offs will be permitted at LeRoy Oakes.

Early packet pick-up is Saturday, April 30 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Dick Pond's in St. Charles, IL.

Registered participants who are NOT Fox River Trail Runner members, must provide a valid photo ID and must pick up their own race bib.

Fox River Trail Runner members may have another FRTR Member pick up your bib on your behalf. Members must send an email to greatwestern@frtr.org prior to pick-up and include your name, Membership Number, and the name and number of the Member picking up your bib.

Interested in joining FRTR, click here

Race day packet pick-up will be available at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve.

Gear check drop-off and pick-up will be located at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. You must use the bag provided at packet pick-up to secure your gear. Please attach the gear check tag from your race bib and attach it to your bag.

There will be water, electrolyte drinks, and other refreshments for participants in Race Village.

Emergency Medical Technicians and ambulances are available. In addition, the race will be staffed by Race Guards.

Gear check drop-off is at LeRoy Oakes.

The race starts and finishes at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W584 Dean Street, 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 approximately 1/4 of a mile to LeRoy Oakes entrance. From I-90, take Randall Road south to Dean Street. Go west (right) on Dean Street to LeRoy Oakes entrance.

All registered runners will receive a commemorative medal at the finish line.

Awards for the top three overall Male and Female winners. Overall winners will not receive age group awards.

First, second and third place in the following male/female 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 and over.

4/25/22: Race shirts are no longer available. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Register by April 16, 2022, to ensure you receive our 25th Anniversary commemorative shirt!

If you don't want the commemorative shirt, you can opt-out during registration. If you choose to not receive a shirt; you will receive a $10 registration discount upon completion.

Please note: You must be registered by April 16, 2022, to guarantee your shirt/size.

Ladies' Cut

Mens' Cut

Hydration Stations and Porta Johns:

1. Path & Dean Road (by miles 2 and 11)
2. Path & Old LaFox Road (by Miles 4 and 9)
3. Path by The Windings Clubhouse (between miles 5 and 6)

GU and/or energy gels:

• Water Station 2
• Water Station 3

Half-marathon participants will go by each water station twice.

Hydration Stations and Porta Johns:

• Path & Dean Road (by miles 2 and 4)

10K Participants will go by the water station twice!