2008 Race Updates:
Results 2008
Results 2007
Sponsors 2007
Brightroom Photos
Eric's Photo Album
GW HM MAP LINK This is an interactive satellite map of the GW half marathon course. Grab the map interior and move in any direction to see the entire course.
Location
Leroy Oaks Forest Preserve
37w370 Dean Street
Saint Charles, IL
About This Event
This is the 11th annual Great Western and the third year at a Half Marathon distance. The Great Western was previously a 30K, but was changed in 2005 to a Half Marathon. The race is hosted by the Fox River Trail Runners, and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Special Olympics Illinois and youth running scholarship fund.
Limited Field of 800
The race is limited to 800 entries to insure a safe and enjoyable race experience. Registration will be closed when the 800 entries have been received. The race filled by March 15th in 2007, and we anticipate an earlier close in 2008. There is NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION
Half Marathon Course
The Half Marathon is a USATF Certified course IL-051108-JW. The race is run on the scenic Great Western Trail, which is mostly flat, 37% asphalt and 63% crushed limestone screenings. Mile splits will be given at the 2,4,6,9 and 11 mile markers. Water and Gatorade will be available at six water stations along the course. The course will remain open until 11:00 a.m. allowing for a pace of 13 min 44 seconds to finish. No Strollers, dogs, walkers, roller-skaters or bikes are allowed in the race.
Directions to Leroy Oaks Forest Preserve
The race starts in the Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve which is accessible from I-88 or I-90. From I88, exit Orchard road north. At the Randall Road intersection, take Randall Road north to Dean Street in St Charles. Go west (left) on Dean Street ¼ mile to the park entrance. From I-90, take Randall Road south to Dean Street. Go west (right) on Dean Street ¼ mile to the park entrance.
Packet Pickup
Early packet pickup will be available at Dick Pond Athletics, 303 N. 2nd street (Rte 31), St Charles, IL 60174 on Friday May 2nd from noon to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday May 3rd from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dick Pond Athletics is located west of the Fox River just North of North Avenue (Rte 64). Race day packet pickup will be available from 6:30 a.m. until 7:45 a.m. at the Start area.
Performance Race Shirt
All registered runners will receive a Technical commemorative race shirt in lieu of cotton.
Race Services
There will be Emergency Medical Technicians and ambulance available. Refreshments will be available after the race near the finish line. Gear check will also be available
Refreshments
There will be plenty of water, Gatorade, fruit and bagels and other refreshments for participants
Awards
Awards for both races will be presented to the 1st place overall Male and Female winners. Overall winners do not receive age group awards. Age group awards will be presented to the top three Male and Female finishers in age groups 14 & under, 15-19,20-24,25-29,55-59,60-64,65-69,70-74,75-79,80 & over. Awards will be presented 4 deep in age groups 30-34, 45-49, 50-54, and 5 deep in age groups 35-39 and 40-44.
Race Results
All participants will be timed and given a DRK Instant Results Card indicating time, average pace per mile, overall finish position, and age and division place. You may present your DRK Results card at the awards table to pick up your award. Results will also be posted at www.drkomputing.com, www.cararuns.org and www.chicagoaa.com
Volunteers
Volunteers are always needed, appreciated and rewarded. Please send an e-mail to Race Director Dave Helmick at ginkgod@flash.net or call Winston Rasmussen at (630)930-9341.
Charitable Contributions
A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Special Olympics, Illinois, support Youth Schlorships and promote the sport of running.
Register On-Line at: www.SignMeUp.com/59090
Course Records
| Overall |
Name |
City |
Time |
Year |
| Male |
Chris Wehrman |
Chicago |
1:10:42 |
2005 |
| Female |
Dorothy Gach |
Morton Grove |
1:23:23 |
2005 |
| |
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| Male |
|
|
|
|
| Age |
Name |
City |
Time |
Year |
| M00-14 |
Stephan Jurgens |
Batavia |
1:30:04 |
2005 |
| M15-19 |
Curt Mademan |
Wheaton |
1:22:21 |
2005 |
| M20-24 |
Jeremy Ruston |
St Charles |
1:14:47 |
2006 |
| M25-29 |
Chris Wehrman |
Chicago |
1:10:42 |
2005 |
| M30-34 |
Joe Badran |
Gilberts |
1:17:41 |
2005 |
| M35-39 |
Doug Pearson |
Elmhurst |
1:16:02 |
2006 |
| M40-44 |
Mark Konicek |
W Dundee |
1:15:35 |
2006 |
| M45-49 |
Ray Ross |
Naperville |
1:19:56 |
2005 |
| M50-54 |
Sam Cortes |
Orland Park |
1:19:51 |
2005 |
| M55-59 |
Sam Cortes |
Orland Park |
1:19:23 |
2006 |
| M60-64 |
Bob Walsh |
Crystal Lake |
1:29:14 |
2006 |
| M65-69 |
Rick Brodine |
Yorkville |
1:39:39 |
2006 |
| M70-74 |
Bob Pates |
Chicago |
1:46:42 |
2005 |
| M75-79 |
Dick Lamermayer |
Aurora |
2:14:51 |
2006 |
| M80-84 |
Bob McKeague |
Villa Park |
1:52:56 |
2006 |
| Female |
|
|
|
| Age |
Name |
City |
Time |
Year |
| F15-19 |
Abigail Vitkus |
Aurora |
1:42:58 |
2005 |
| F20-24 |
Stephanie Maisel |
Chicago |
1:30:52 |
2006 |
| F25-29 |
Rachel Heglel |
St Charles |
1:32:42 |
2006 |
| F30-34 |
Dorothy Gach |
Morton Grove |
1:23:23 |
2005 |
| F35-39 |
Michele Idstein |
Crystal Lake |
1:31:32 |
2006 |
| F40-44 |
Kristy Howland |
Elmhurst |
1:31:42 |
2006 |
| F45-49 |
Elena Shemyakina |
Geneva |
1:30:47 |
2007 |
| F50-54 |
Melissa Savage |
Evanston |
1:33:14 |
2005 |
| F55-59 |
Susan Croll |
Marengo |
1:36:20 |
2005 |
| F60-64 |
Yvonne Smith |
Naperville |
2:02:26 |
2005 |
| F65-69 |
Doris Schertz |
Lombard |
1:57:32 |
2006 |
| F70-74 |
Barbara Kummerer |
River Forest |
2:43:03 |
2006 |
| F80-84 |
SR Kathlene McDonough |
Evanston |
2:58:40 |
2005 |
