Threading a half marathon race through a small village’s neighborhoods almost inevitably creates travel challenges for residents.
The organizers of the Hidden Gem Half Marathon say they have refined plans each year in an effort to ease the inconvenience, and this year, one new feature is the addition of Douglas Avenue as a route out of the Heather Hill neighborhood to the north.
Flossmoor’s Future)
Heather Hill is nearly encircled by the race route, so for nearly two hours, it could be difficult to leave by car. Two Heather Hill Crescent spurs, one to Governors Highway and one to Kedzie Avenue, were open on the west and will be again this year.
Flossmoor’s Future, which founded and operates the race, is also increasing efforts to inform residents about how to navigate the race. At a Zoom meeting on Aug. 21, volunteer coordinator Brent Bachus said volunteers from the Homewood-Flossmoor Runners Club would be distributing informational door hangers to all residents in Heather Hill. In the past, door hangers were distributed to homes on the race route.
The race kicks off at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7. Runners will head west on Flossmoor Road near Douglas Avenue. The race ends on Sterling Avenue near Flossmoor Public Library.
Runners are expected at the following times in these neighborhoods:
► 7:30-8:15 a.m. — Baythorne
► 7:30-9 a.m. — Ballantrae
► 7:30-9:15 a.m. — Flossmoor Hills
► 7:30-10:30 a.m. — Heather Hill
► 8-10:45 a.m. — Flossmoor Estates
► 8:15-11:15 a.m. — Flossmoor Park
► 8:30-11:30 a.m. — Old Flossmoor
Email [email protected] for more information.
Kegs & Eggs: A post-race party
The post-race event will be different this year, too. Flossmoor Fest has been retired after 25 years.
Instead, the village will hold a festival, Oaktoberfest, on Sept. 28. The post-race party, Kegs & Eggs, will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.in downtown Flossmoor.
There will be food, drink, fun and community at the event, according to Flossmoor officials.
The Flossmoor Green Commission will be giving away 100 trees as part of their “100 Trees for 100 Years” initiative.
The Community Relations Commission will also be present to hand out Flossmoor swag, along with other fun engagements.