The Gem route wraps around Heather Hill, where every year, residents take the opportunity to cheer the runners on through their seventh mile of the half-marathon.
This year, neighbors welcomed the athletes to Heather Hill with a cheer group inspired by Super Mario Bros. Princess Peach offered a mushroom power-up to the winded but smiling athletes. Several Marios, Luigis and Yoshis encouraged them on as they ran past.
In their third year of being a part of the Gem, Alex Orr, one of the Luigis, said they keep adding more people to the crew, and the themes become more elaborate.
“It’s a really fun event in a great community!” said Jenny Fawbush, dressed as Mario in a blue tutu.
As the runners reached Heather Hill School, Joseph Robertson greeted them with beats from his drum kit. Now 18, Robertson has performed in his yard during the Gem since 8th grade.
(Chris Weber/H-F Chronicle)
“Every year, they come right past my house, and I play some music for them,” Robertson said. “This gets me up early in the morning because I know I’ll give them some energy as they pass by. Everyone likes to listen to music when they run.”
Women from the Prairie State College basketball team, their coach and other volunteers staffed a drink station further down Lawrence Cresent. Heather Hill Hornets, this year’s theme for the neighborhood, were swarming in this section of the race. The Principal of Heather Hill School, Carol Humm, directed the crew.
“We love the opportunity to support the community,” said Humm.
“Everybody is involved,” said Wendy Milnes. “It’s not just runners; It’s spectators and volunteers. It’s just a big team effort. It’s nice because, as much as we love to cheer on the runners, every single one of them thanks us for coming out and helping at some point.”
Milnes, who has watched every Gem so far, said her favorite part is the energy, excitement, and diversity of the crowd and participants.