Featured Running Event of the Week - Run For Hope 10k

The Run For Hope 10k (and 5k) is held in Bloomington, IL - not far off of the Historic Route 66.  This race benefits the Home Sweet Home Ministries which provide assistance to the homeless.  At the start/finish line tent, runners can donate old running shirts and shoes (and any other forms of clothing).  The donation container filled up multiple times before the race started.

The race itself runs along the paved "Constitution Trail", going under I-55 and out for a ways and back.  10k runners also divert from the trail onto two country roads with a very steep downhill then turn around - unfortunately with all downhills, there is an uphill.  The 10k runners then rejoin the trail and continue to head out.

The Trail is smooth and flat, with the only real elevation change happening on the country road excursion.  The route primarily runs through open field, with the trail itself lined with trees on both sides, but only 1 row of trees, then open field.  The very start and end of the route takes place alongside Washington Street where cars would honk in support.  Aside from that area, it's pretty much the runners and nature - and volunteers.  There were plenty of volunteers along the way to guide runners to and from the country road excursion, to watch traffic at the only street crossing, and to provide water/Gatorade.  There were also some along the way mostly to provide support and encouragement.

Pretty much a straight line and flat, the only "conditions" of this particular day was the wind.  It happened to be a direct crosswind, so for the entire race, runners were dealing with a pretty strong cross-wind - both out and back.  But, that's what running is about - dealing with the conditions of the day.

A very well organized race along a farmland style paved path.  Good exercise and good scenery.