On Saturday, All Community Events hosted its annual AMITA FitAmerica race in Hoffman Estates, offering 5K, 10K and half marathon distance options. A true summer time tradition, this race is not one to be missed.
This race is a great one for first time half marathoners who want to tackle the distance. It is well organized with great course support on a mostly flat course.
The half marathon and 10K distances started promptly at 7:30 a.m. while the 5K runners waited a few minutes to start after that gun. It was a rainy start, but with high humidity and warm temperatures, the rain was not completely unwelcome. About midway through the race, the rain tapered off to a slow drizzle and by the end of the half marathon, it had subsided completely.
Spirits were high at the start line as the Hoffman Estates Mayor provided a welcome and a countdown to begin. As runners finished their first mile, they were greeted with a live band to keep their energy up. All runners completed the first couple of miles together and then split for their various distances.
The trail was all paved with several wooded areas to keep things cool. There were a few slight inclines, but mostly it was a flat, fast course.
Just before the finish line, runners were given an American flag to cross the finish line with, giving this race a very patriotic feel. Runners were greeted with finish line goodies complete with a popsicle and a unique star shaped metal.
All racers received a short sleeved, technical T-shirt, great for training in hot weather.
This race continues to be one of my favorite races of the summer because of its great organization, full course support and highly competitive nature of their race, due to the cash prize for first through 10th male and female finishers. If you have not run this one in the past, be sure to put it on your schedule for next year.
First through third female half marathon winners were: Pasca Myers, Jamie Hershfang and Lisa Johnson. First through third male half marathon winners were: Eric Lagat, Jeremy Craven and Chris Simers.
First through third female 10K winners were: Maritza Godinez, Chrystal Monseur and Lindsay Freeborn. First through third male 10K winners were: Jack Buban, Tom Nugent and Rolandas Strikauskis.
First through third female 5K winners were: Suzanne Stein, Jacqueline Colon and Ashley Stensland. First through third male 5K winners were: Alexander Garcia, Rafal Turek and Andrius Jurevicius.
