Featured Running Event of the Week - Apollo 5k

This was the 1st race in the H-F Summer Circuit.  We have already blogged about the 2nd race, which was the Run For Freedom 5k on July 4th.  The H-F Summer Circuit consists of 3 races, one in May (this one), one in July (the Freedom 5k), and one in September.  Each race takes place at a different park in either Homewood or Flossmoor, in the Chicago Southland.  These are great "neighborhood races", very informal, taking place in parks (or at least starting/ending in parks), and low-key.

This one, named Apollo 5k, takes place at Apollo Park, a little park just hidden off of a main 4-way busy road.  Tucked away behind some houses and trees, and far enough from the major road to not even hear any traffic.

This year's shirts of course played off the Apollo name and feature a space capsule logo.

The race begins on the trails of Apollo Park and heads east very briefly before hairpinning back west, it then proceeds onto the streets of Homewood.  95% of the race takes place on these neighborhood side streets, without crossing any major roads.  The course is relatively flat, but has some surprising, yet gradual inclines - the kind that aren't noticeable until noticed.  Of course, each incline has a decline, so it all balances out.

The race ends as it heads back into the park from a corner completely opposite of the start.  It provides for exciting spectator views of runners returning to the park off in a distance and heading away from the crowd.  The runners then make a 90 degree turn and a long stretch heading directly towards the spectators, then with less than a block to go, one more 90 degree turn to the finish line.  For the "finish-line" kickers, this provides a long kick, as most will go into the finishing kick upon entering the park.  Makes for exciting viewing as people pass each other down these long flat paths.  Spectators can watch this entire finale, due to no tree obstruction in the park.

This race, as well as the entire circuit, is also open to walkers, joggers, woggers, and runners.  The idea is to get the community out to the parks in the beautiful weather and get some exercise (and socializing) in before the day kicks into gear.