by Stacie Rood
(article from The Lake Runner, a Lake Bloomington running association)
Looking for a fun and challenging 5K race this fall? How about the best “dam” post-race party in Tazewell County? Then you have got to check out the 3rd Annual Heritage Lake 5K Fall Classic! This distinctive racing event will be held on Saturday, October 14 at 3:01 sharp.
Besides the unique starting time, this race offers many more exciting features. It has got to be one of the most scenic races in Central Illinois. The course offers a beautiful setting for the fall colors around Heritage Lake, which happens to have some of the most ‘breath-taking’ hills in the area. You may actually forget you are in Central Illinois while you are running this race. Now about those breath-taking hills… take that reference extremely literally! Last year, my husband Tim Rood ran part of the course as a warm up. In the first mile, he found a decent sized hill. We had heard the course was challenging, but he didn’t think this one was too bad. Being the supportive running partner that he is, he shared with me what to expect. So when I reached the first hill and noticed ‘small hill’ marked in white lettering, I found it to be a little humorous. It wasn’t until I reached the part of the course marked ‘BIG HILL’ that I realized the joke was on me! They are not kidding about the description. It is a fairly steep and long incline to the top of this hill. But don’t let that scare you away. Although challenging, it is doable, especially knowing the end of the course is a nice, steady downhill to the finish line.
There are many other great features of this race to look forward to as well. For one thing, the trophies are unique. Last year the overall male and female winners received hand-made tables that were amazing! But don’t worry; even if you don’t qualify for an award, there are plenty of other reasons to stick around for the post-race party. All race entrants will be able to enjoy BBQ, snacks, beer, and other beverages. The food last year was fabulous and included some homemade egg rolls that I hope they bring back!
This year they will also offer live entertainment by the band PLAIN JANE. So make plans to stick around, do some carb loading and enjoy the afternoon around a bon-fire with friends and fellow runners.
If those aren’t reasons enough to make the short drive over to Mackinaw, this race also offers those coveted long-sleeve race t-shirts to the first 150 entrants! I highly recommend adding this race to your fall running calendar. Go out and tackle the challenging course then reward yourself at the post-race party!
For more information about this race, including a map of the course and directions to Heritage Lake, go to www.heritagelakeassociation.com. Their website also contains a race app, as does the ‘Area Races’ section of our Lake Run Club website, www.lakerunclub.org. A race app was also printed in last month’s newsletter. |
