Friday's Featured 5k of the Week - Running With The Horses

More than just a clever name!!

Running With The Horses 5k takes place at Balmoral Park, Crete, IL on a June early evening/late afternoon.  This past year was a 4:00pm start.  Interestingly enough, as a novice runner, I found the afternoon start odd - what do I eat today?  How much?  How little?  When?  How much more or less water do I drink?  Morning races are easy - get up - grab some hydration and a banana and run.

But, that's not the interesting part about this 5k.  This 5k starts in the parking lot at the horse track, runs the perimeter of the lot - then cuts across some grass and onto the crushed gravel 1/2 mile horse track, heading "the wrong way" at first.  Runners enter the track from Turn 1 and head towards Turn 4.  But at Turn 4, the runners exit the track and run along the service road (also crushed gravel).  The service road follows along the outside of the track and into the backstretch stables behind Turn 2.  The course spends some time running into the backstretch stable area before turning around and heading back towards the track.

NOW is when the name means something.  Runners enter the track at Turn 2 and head towards Turn 3 - on the track.  Runners are sent to the inner lanes of the track - while the horses, carriages, and jockeys warm-up on the outer lanes of the track.  People are literally, running with the horses, at this point.  The runners then round Turn 3 towards Turn 4 and then down the home-stretch towards the Finish Line.  The 5k finish is also the regular Finish Line for the horses!!

While running along the home-stretch, friends of the 5k runners, finished 5k runners, and patrons of the upcoming horse races are sitting outside cheering on the runners - and you can really hear them!  The whole home-stretch becomes a scene from Chariots of Fire, you can almost hear the famous music as you go down the front-stretch!  I have to admit, I've witnessed few final 1/4 miles more competitive than this - I think it's probably the fastest part of the entire race.

The goodie bag allows for free access to the track for the night, a few beer coupons (it was Beers of the World night), and a free racing program (along with a technical race shirt).  Upon finishing the race, there is also a live band playing and is quite the festive atmosphere.  I'd say about half of the runners stayed and bet on the horses that night.


www.balmoralpark.com