The 2025 Gem race took a new route through Heather Hill this year, bringing out residents who saw the race pass by their homes for the first time.

In the weeks and days leading up to the Gem, residents of Polly Lane in Flossmoor gathered to create signs and discuss how to best welcome runners to their neighborhood.

“Our neighborhood was very excited,” said Marqita Fitch. “From what I understand, this is the first time they have come down our block.”

Ruby Marsh, also a Polly Lane resident, expressed enthusiasm, saying, “I love it. It’s great. We’re excited it’s on Polly Lane.” 

Dale Gervais, another Polly Lane resident, said, “We’re very proud to have them coming through our neighborhood.”

Joseph Robertson, 19, has been greeting runners with his drum kit as they pass his house since he was in eighth grade. The route change prompted him to relocate his setup from his front yard to the middle of the street, where the marathon route turned in front of Heather Hill School. Robertson, now a jazz performance student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said he was happy to share new songs and cymbals with the neighborhood.

Kenneth Barker, another resident of Heather Hill, offered a unique perspective. He has run in the race twice and volunteered as a steward this year. 

“I’ve run a lot of these races and this one is my favorite,” Barker said.

Barker noted that while the tree-lined streets and picturesque course views were pleasant, what truly stood out was the way people showed up for the entire race and cheered on the runners.

The theme for the Heather Hill neighborhood this year was “superheroes.”