The Hidden Gem Half Marathon returned Saturday, Sept. 6 for its sixth year, once again turning Flossmoor’s neighborhoods into a stage for runners and a celebration of community.
Named Best Race in 2022 and 2023 by the Chicago Area Runners Association, the event is known not only for its scenic course but also for the residents and volunteers whose energy and support along the route give it its character.
Nigel and Qadree Holmes hold signs and toss glitter as runners pass during the Hidden Gem Half Marathon in Flossmoor. (Nuha Abdessalam/H-F Chronicle)
Volunteer Ericca Legardy said her favorite part each year is seeing the runners respond to the cheers from the crowd.
“They participate in full marathons, and sometimes it’s just very sterile streets,” she said. “Because this comes through all the different neighborhoods and the residents come out, they sit up, they cheer them on.” Legardy added, “It gives them that energy to keep it going, they’re really appreciative.”
Neighbors Hetti Collins and former trustee James Wilder added that the race is about more than competition. “People forget about the sense of community,” Wilder said. “We try to push that and make sure people understand.”
Collins added that her favorite part is teasing the runners in good humor. “I love the cheering part, it’s important– and the initiative, first of all, for the village to do this.”
Mom and son Erika and Brandon Whittier, who have volunteered as course marshals, said they enjoy watching the event highlight each neighborhood.
“My favorite part is just seeing people light up when they see different corners cheering them on,” Brandon said. “Unlike others where it’s hostile, we’re not like that at all.”
Erika added: “You get to spotlight every neighborhood, people come out and cheer, and some even do elaborate stations.”
Families added their own touches along the course. Nigel and Qadree Holmes held signs, one reading “Runners get sprayed with glitter” and the other “Get gem’d,” while tossing glitter as runners passed.
Nearby, 4-year-old Malachi cheered while Roman Ford and his mom, Karen, handed out Gatorade.
On Troon Street, Bansari Modi volunteered with the Flossmoor Montessori School, which has supported the race since its early years.
“It is really a wonderful community,” Modi said. “Many times people don’t even know Flossmoor, and when they come here, they’ll be like, oh, it’s such a wonderful community, it’s amazing.”
Longtime residents Lafayette and Dina Gatling said they enjoy watching the race pass right in front of their home.
“Somehow or another it inspires me to try it,” Lafayette said, laughing. “We had our granddaughters out here last year, and they enjoyed watching the runners, I think other communities should mimic this.”
For three years, covering the Hidden Gem has felt less like reporting and more like stepping into a family reunion. The race has become more than a competition, but also a showcase of camaraderie, cheer and pride in Flossmoor.
