Featured Running Event of the Week - Buffalo Stampede 10k

No, don't worry, it's not like the running of the bulls, there are no buffaloes stampeding towards any runners.  It does take place in Buffalo Grove IL, though.  The race is part of the larger Buffalo Grove Days Festival, which includes live music and a carnival.  The start/finish line is very close to the carnival, so for those runners looking for a pre-race warmup, there is a nice scenic stroll through the carnival/event grounds - sort of nostalgic.

There is also a 5k event, but this focuses on the 10k.  The events have staggered start times, with the 10k going out first.  This actually creates a unique situation the course.  At around mile 5, the 10k route mergers with the 5k route.  The 5k runners are on their 2 mile mark.  So, there are a bunch of fresh fast runners, mixing in with slower not-so-fresh runners, all at the point of a walking/running path in the park.  It makes for some unique situations as runners from both events need to adjust to the faster or slower traffic.  I think it adds a unique nuance to the entire event.  For some, those fresh runners actually add a boost of energy to those that were running out of energy.  Also, many of the fresh runners offer words of encouragement to those finishing the 10k, which is always a plus.

This 10k features roads, paved walking/jogging paths, and crushed gravel paths.  The race is a combination trail race and road race.  The race starts on the streets, then moves onto the crushed gravel paths in a park.  At this point of the race, the course becomes hilly with a couple of semi-large uphills (and downhills).  The crushed gravel portion is an out-and-back, so runners get to receive encouragement from runners heading the other way - this is always one of the coolest things about running.  The race then returns to the streets and then to the local park, where it transitions to a paved walking/jogging path, which goes past playgrounds, ballfields, and a pool.  The course then finishes with a long straight-away final stretch to the finish line.  Almost feels like that scene from Vacation with everybody running towards that giant sign, that never seems to get closer.

Only as a guesstimate, the 10k is probably 50% trail and 50% road.  This makes for a perfect course for those who enjoy both styles of running.

The raceday packet pickup/registration is probably the most organized around.  There are signs everywhere, spacious booths, plenty of volunteers.  Raceday registration and/or packet pickup is extremely fast and easy.

And enjoyable course, with a little something for everybody.