Monday's featured 5k of the week - ASHLEYCAN RACES

Not just one race - but several - the AshleyCan races.

New Year New Cure 8k - January 1st (check their website or facebook page for registration information)
Mother's Day 5k and 2Mile - Mother's Day (check their website or facebook page for exact date)
Fall Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, 1 Mile - September (check their website or facebook page for exact date)

Benefiting the AshleyCan Pediatric Cancer Foundation  (also on facebook page)

AshleyCan is a 501(c)(3) foundation which is dedicated to raising awareness for Pediatric Cancer, providing assistance to families of children with cancer, providing funding for research, and helping to ensure a future for the brave children fighting this disease.

The races take place in Bourbonnais, IL and, depending on the length, utilize parts of Perry Farm, including the infamous Challenge Hill.

I've only run the Fall 5k, so far.  But I do know this - this is one VERY organized event!  Packet pickup, located near the start line on a day(s) leading up to the event and day-of-event is one of the smoothest packet pickups I've been to.

The races themselves are very well organized with professional timing in all cases.  Perry Farm is spectacular!  And even the subdivision prior to entering Perry Farm is scenic - and more challenging than it appears at first glance.  Lots of hills, they aren't noticeable, until you feel them, then you realize you are on a hill. 

I'm sure the level of organization and quality of the course is the same for any of the races held!

What's more amazing are the people behind these events.  These are organized, with help from volunteers and friends, by Maureen and Ashley.  Ashley is a two-time survivor of childhood cancer - who is now in her early 20s, and Maureen is her mother.  Two very strong and courageous young ladies who have lived through a terrible event (twice) and have chosen to make a very positive impact against this horrible disease through their foundation, and the running events.  If you did not know who they were (as I did not know the first time I ran), you'd never guess who they were - they are strong and organized and happy and helpful people working the event like professional promoters!  Regardless of the terrain of the race course or the organization of the event - it is the PEOPLE behind these events that make them special.

I know I plan to be back for the 5K races every year.