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Illinois > Literacy Run Half Marathon
Rockford, IL
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Date
Saturday, May 9, 2009
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 sixth annual running
in 2009. 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 3, 2009
$45 between May 3 - 8
$55 on the day of the race
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2009 running of the Literacy Run, register
online at AllSportCentral.com or
print out
and mail in this downloadable application.
Website
www.theliteracycouncil.org
Course Map
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Larger Map
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Your Race Story
Ever run in Rockford's Literacy Run Half Marathon? Share
yourimpressions and read fellow runners' stories and tips for the
event.
Post your comments in Runner Reviews for the Literacy Run Half
Marathon
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