Monday's Featured 5k - WORLD'S LARGEST CORN MAZE 5K

The "World's Largest Corn Maze 5k" was held at Richardson Corn Maze in Spring Grove, IL in Mid-October and is presented by All Community Events (www.allcommunityevents.com).   The ENTIRE 5k is within the corn maze itself.  There is maybe a 5 yard sprint into the corn maze, and 10 yard sprint out of the corn maze - but the rest is in the maze of maize.

This particular course contains SEVERAL hairpin turns, several 90 degree-plus turns, and constant turning, with longest straight-away of less than 20 yards (estimate).  The course is very clearly marked with tape, so there is no way to get lost.  But as you see other runners through the corn and hear runners you can not see, you start to get that feeling of being in a horror movie and unable to find your way out - which adds to the fun.  In addition to the numerous turns, there is some elevation change, which is noticeable in parts, but nothing adverse.  And, an interesting twist during the final mile - a bridge.  Participants must go up 5 or 7 on a wooden bridge which actually crosses over other runners on the path and back down.  Now, normally, that's no big deal. But after running 2 miles in that type of mud that sticks to your shoes and adds 10 lbs (or at least it feels that way) to your feet - the bridge becomes a slow speed section of the course.  Course marshals were present at the bridge to warn of the slickness.  In addition, prior to the start of the run, the organizers made it clear that the rains of the week have resulted in a treacherous course and that this will not be a PR type of day.  But, all of that just adds to the challenge.  By FAR, the most fun I've had in a 5k.  I admit, at times, I pictured the Children Of The Corn chasing me - good motivation!!

Richardson Corn Maze is more than just a corn maze.  What a great place to take the family - any time of the year.  They have a giant outdoor "bouncy" and several indoor and outdoor attractions for the kids, including pig races!!  When not used for the 5k, the maze is subdivided into several - and I mean SEVERAL - different mazes to explore at your leisure.  They have a picnic area that can be reserved, which even allows campfires.  And, they have a corn maze lookout tower, in which you can see not only the corn maze from above - BUT ALSO THE DESIGN it makes.  This year the corn maze celebrated the 200th anniversary of The Star Spangled Banner.  Last year it celebrated The Beatles 50th anniversary of their American arrival.  Pretty cool designs!!!  You can check Richardson Corn Maze out at www.richardsonadventurefarm.com.

Plenty of parking and very spacious area for pre-and-post race milling around.