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Illinois > Literacy Run Half Marathon
Rockford, IL
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Date

Saturday, May 10, 2008


Event Details

Nearly 200 runners came out last year to tackle the wooded hills, trails and park roads that crisscross through the plentiful forest preserve areas just outside Rockford for the Literacy Run Half Marathon, which expects even more entrants for its fifth annual running in 2008. Run as a benefit for the local nonprofit The Literacy Council, the race helps raise needed funds to improve literacy among Rockford-area adults and their families.

The out-and-back race starts and finishes at Vasa Park, which lies just outside Rockford southeast of the city on 42nd Street. From there, the course takes runners along a combination of tree-lined trails, paved roads and mountain biking paths through the Kishwaukee, Blackhawk Springs and Espenscheid Forest Preserves, with much of the course unfolding along the banks of the Kishwaukee River (especially the first few and last few miles of the race).

Race organizers' motto for the event is "come for the half marathon, stay for the party," and they don't disappoint, past participants say -- there's a great post-race party with prizes and locally-brewed beer from Rockford's local Carlyle Brewing Company. And while you're in town, take in some of the local sights in the town that's often called the "Forest City," thanks to the forest preserves that surround it.

There's Rockford's Anderson Japanese Gardens, which have often been called one of the top gardens of their kind anywhere in the United States, and the Burpee Museum of Natural History, located on a site overlooking the Rock River in downtown Rockford. Established in 1941, the museum is home to dinosaur exhibits, a specimen viewing lab and a children's gallery.


Race Weather & Climate

Located in Winnebago County in northernmost Illinois, the city of Rockford can see weather conditions that are quite cool and sometimes very stormy in the spring, as well as plenty of mild, moderately warm and sunny days. In May, monthly temperatures average between 71°F and 48°F, while rainfall amounts average around 4 inches for the month.


Fees

$35 if registered by May 4, 2008
$45 after May 4


Registration

To reserve your spot in the 2008 running of the Literacy Run, register online at AllSportCentral.com or print out and mail in this downloadable application.


Website

www.theliteracycouncil.org

View race photos from the 2007 Literacy Run


Course Map


View Larger Map


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