The Hidden Gem Half Marathon is fast-approaching, and it already is poised to be the biggest race field yet.
By early August, registration had passed 700 runners, with the 1,000-participant cap likely to be hit by the end of the month, according to Tom Dobrez, co-founder of Flossmoor’s Future and one of the organizers of the Hidden Gem.
The 13.1-mile run is to start at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, in front of Infant Jesus of Prague School on Flossmoor Road and end in downtown Flossmoor, once again leading into that afternoon’s Flossmoor Fest.
“It’s just a nice segue and makes the whole day a big celebration,” Dobrez said.
The Gem is expecting runners from all around the Chicago area as well as at least 18 different states, according to Dobrez.
“It’s earned a spot on runners’ calendars,” he said. “The success of the race is attributed as much to the organizers and the organization as the community itself and as much as it supports the runners along the route, with various neighborhoods taking on themes. It has really resonated with the runners.”
Dobrez said a survey of past runners noted that the energy of the community around the race has raised people’s personal performances and improved the enjoyment of the run itself. Dobrez said the 2022 Hidden Gem has had significantly more interest from entertainers, bands, musicians and singers who want to be part of it, so organizers added more of them.
Though, because neighborhoods such as Heather Hill, Flossmoor Hills and Flossmoor Park try to “outdo each other but in a very collective, communicative spirit,” as Dobrez put it, much about the local cheer efforts still remains a mystery to organizers until race day.
“Each year, it’s kind of a surprise to us as much as the runners what these neighborhoods come up with,” Dobrez said. “The Gem effect is the way these neighborhoods themselves have become more unified and have created internal communications amongst their own neighborhoods.”
Runners will see their swag bags upgraded this year, with long-sleeve, tri-blend sustainable runner’s shirts that each use an equivalent of up to six plastic water bottles. The reusable totes also include milkweed seeds to help the monarch butterflies. More information about Plant the Gem will be available near the finish of the race.
The Gem also is going greener this year by using compostable cups for water for the runners. And educational efforts and recycling practices will be taking place during the race.
“This is a joint effort with the Green Commission in Flossmoor and will significantly reduce our footprint,” Dobrez said.
Once again, Flossmoor’s Future is working to make sure the community enjoys the race as much as possible and that any race-day disruptions come with fair warning. Organizers held a meeting in late July at Wiley’s Grill, sharing information with residents and taking questions. The route will be exactly the same as last year’s race — after some tweaks between the first couple of years — to maintain consistency, Dobrez said.
“That should help,” he said. “Our messaging remains the same: If you live north of Flossmoor Road and need to get out during the race times, head north of Flossmoor Road. If you live south of Flossmoor Road, head south or west, particularly in Heather Hill.”
Flossmoor Road remains the main artery of the race.
“It’s very unlikely people will be able to get through Flossmoor Road from roughly 7 a.m. to 11,” Dobrez said.
On the bright side, that means Flossmoor Road is prime real estate for anyone coming from outside the village or looking to support particular runners.
Along that thoroughfare, spectators can see the start by IJP, watch as the race turns into the Baythorne area, catch it again by the campus of Homewood-Flossmoor High School, take a leisurely walk back to Heather Hill to find runners crossing there, continue east to see them again at Sterling Avenue and then the return toward the finish line.
“We encourage those watching specific runners to really don’t leave Flossmoor Road,” Dobrez said. “There’s about five or six key intersections of the race that are along Flossmoor Road. … Really, for spectators, it’s one of the greatest races you could find, because you’ll be able to catch the runners at numerous points in the race without too much stress and no need to get in the car.”
Dobrez added the half marathon can always use more volunteers, and has been engaging clubs, religious groups and others to keep the race self-sustainable — along with the help of sponsors. Flossmoor Community Church is running a water station, while H-F sports teams will serve as marshals for an entire neighborhood, for instance.
More information can be found at hiddengemhalf.com.
Road Closures — Times Approximate
Main Road Closures (Hard Stop to Traffic)
- Kedzie (Flossmoor Road to 193rd Street) – 7-9:30 a.m.
- Governors Highway (Heather Hill Crescent to Flossmoor Road) – 7-9:45 a.m.
- Flossmoor Road (west of Governors Highway) 7-9:45 a.m.
- Flossmoor Road (east of Governors Highway) 7-11:15 a.m.
Neighborhoods – Estimated Closures
- Baythorne – 7:30-8:15 a.m.
- Ballantrae – 7:30-9 a.m.
- Flossmoor Hills – 7:30-9:15 a.m.
- Braemar Road – 7:30-9:45 a.m.
- Heather Hill – 7:30-10:30 a.m.
- Estates Section – 7:30-10:45 a.m.
- Flossmoor Park – 7:30-11:15 a.m.
- Old Flossmoor – 7:30-11:30 a.m.
Related stories:
- Second Hidden Gem Half Marathon sees more runners, two records fall (Sept. 12, 2021)
- Hidden Gem organizers address route, closures, safety ahead of Sept. 11 race in Flossmoor (Aug. 4, 2021)
- 2020 Hidden Gem Half Marathon canceled, smaller events to come (June 16, 2020)
- Local runners club covers the Gem route in tribute to canceled race (Sept. 15, 2020)
- Hidden Gem race achieves CARA circuit status in 2nd year
- (Jan. 24, 2020)
- Local runners club eager to compete in Hidden Gem (Sept. 1, 2019)