Featured Running Event of the Week - Flossmoor 5k

The Flossmoor 5K takes place at Leavitt Park in, you guessed it, Flossmoor, IL.  It is the 3rd, and final, race in the H-F Summer Circuit, presented by the H-F Racquet & Fitness Club.  The races are held in May, July, and September.  The other two have been featured this past year on our blog.

This race is the only race of the three that actual does not run "in" a park at all.  It starts at a park, and the pre-race/post-race tent is in the park, but the race is 100% on the streets of Flossmoor.  The park itself is picturesque and even contains a sculpture garden.

The race heads south from the park across Flossmoor Road and winds through a neighborhood there before crossing back over Flossmoor Road to wind through more neighborhood streets.  The second half of the race contains some windy streets and some elevation, but nothing severe.  The course itself finishes the final 1/4 mile downhill - not a steep downhill - but noticeable, which is great for those who love the finish line kick.

The entire race is run on heavily shaded streets as these are well established neighborhoods with ancient trees lining the streets the entire way.  It was a cool September day, but even if it wasn't cool - the course would have been primarily shaded.

Being a local circuit, it creates an opportunity to see many of the same people and to develop friendships and running partners along the way.  Also helps runners with a friendly rivalry between runners of similar speeds.  In addition, being a neighborhood series, it is more relaxed and there is always a large crowd of people cheering on the runners (and walkers) as they finish the race.

In addition, there are awards for the fastest participants across all three races - adding to the challenge for those fast runners.  (Each individual race also had age-group awards.)

Great low-key friendly series - perfect for established runners and those new to running - and for walkers as well.  Courses are all stroller friendly as well.