Featured 5k of the Week - Rooster 5k

The First Annual Rooster 5k, part of the Naperville Last Flight Event.

For years, the Last Fling hosted a competitive 1-mile run.  This wasn't just a kids run or a family fun run - some of the best runners in the area would show up to compete.  In 2015, they added a 5k to the event - which followed the 1-mile event.  Some runners participated in both events for chances at medals for the combined times.

The 5k route starts at Rotary Hill at the High School and continues around the high school property and then into the downtown area, through the downtown and into the neighborhoods and then back.  Mostly, it's an out-and-back course, with the first 1/2 mile being only on the out - and the final 1/4 mile being only on the back.

Naperville should be renamed NaperHILL!!!

Aside from the Quarryman Challenge, this might be the most hilly 5k in the region.  Each hill was no less than a 20 foot ascent (and descent) and sometimes probably 40 feet.  It seemed, aside from the first 1/2 mile, runners were either going up a hill or down a hill.  The start of the race, running around the high school property was probably the one consistently flat section of the entire course - and as soon as the school grounds ended, a downward slope began.  As any runner knows, that means an uphill slope will follow.  The course did seem relatively flat through the downtown area, but then as it turned to head in the heavily shaded residential district it started a long uphill climb.  After a turn, it start back downhill briefly, and then as it passed under the railroad tracks, a steep downhill grade.  Of course, as soon as the runners exited the viaduct, it was a steep uphill trek to the turnaround point.

Naturally, after the turn around, the course started that steep descent under the viaduct followed by the steep ascent after the viaduct.  The beauty of the out-and-back course - runners get to experience everything twice - downhills AND the uphills.  Following the steep uphill, the gradual uphill began (remember the gradual downhill before the viaduct?).  For everything that goes down, it must go back up.  Of course, that does mean the uphill leaving downtown now becomes a refreshing downhill.  Then a turn back towards the home stretch, where runners got to run under a draped American Flag and Military Flag on display.

Then, the final home stretch.  Many runners love to have that "finish line kick", that sprint to the finish line.  This was not going to be an easy final 1/4 mile for the "kickers".  Remember that downhill after the school grounds - well, the corresponding uphill finally arrved -  at the finish line homestretch.   It might not have been the steepest or even longest hill of the race (or maybe it was) - but to the runners it felt like the most challenging.  But, that didn't stop the runners, those who "kick" - still kicked.  Those who didn't - still didn't.  Definitely a unique finish to a race - and probably one of the most challenging homestretches in the Chicagoland region.  (Even, the Quarryman Challenge finished on a flat final 1/4 mile).  For runners that love that "Rocky" feel to an event - this was the perfect uphill homestretch!!!!

Now for the most unique and exciting and even challenging part of the 5k....about 2.5 miles of the event is in front of spectators.   Yep, not just the finish line area or the starting line area - nearly 2.5 miles of the course!!!  See, then bulk of the course is also on the annual Last Fling Parade Route!!!!  The first 1/2 mile from the start and around the school is not.  But just before the downtown portion - people are already in their lawn chairs staking out their spot for the parade.  And, guess what, bonus - they get to watch a bunch of people run by (twice in some areas).  From just before the downtown, through the downtown, through the residential district, passed the viaduct, and to the turnaround is a route with spectators on both sides of the street.  This is a good thing!!  All of the spectators were clapping, holding signs of encouragement, shouting out encouragement, ringing cowbells, and cheering.  All of the spectators were rooting for ALL of the participants - not just the fast ones, not just the running ones - but everybody participating in the event.  THIS was what made this a very fun route!!!  A spectator lined route is not only challenging - but also encouraging and fun!!!

After the finish line, results were immediately available at a kiosk which printed individual timing receipts, awards were handed out on stage, and a live band immediately followed the awards ceremony.

Because of the parade route, parking is a little tricky, and navigation to the event is a little tricky.  Plan accordingly.