On Sunday, the 41st Annual Frank Lloyd Wright Races were held. The morning included a 5k run, 5k walk, 10k run, and a youth mile.
Packet pickup is held for a few days before the races at Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex. Packet pickup and race day registration was also an option for this year.
In years, previous I always chose the 10k, but I decided to try out the 5k this year. I enjoyed the 5k distance and route. The 5k runs by a few Frank Lloyd Wright buildings including the Unity Temple on Lake Street. The course itself is flat and fast with a few turns. The 10k has participants run past the most Frank Lloyd Wright buildings – eight including his home and studio on Chicago Ave. All races start and end near the Oak Park and River Forest High School.
It was great weather this year – brisk, but not too chilly and the rain held off until after the race. Sponsors this year included Dominican University, Athletico, the Wednesday Journal, Oak Park Brewing Company, Lively Athletics, Fleet Feet, and Culver’s.
The most surprising bonus of the race was FLW Oatmeal Bar sponsored by Trader Joe’s! There were numerous topping options including nuts, fruit, and pumpkin butter. Yes, there was pumpkin butter to make pumpkin oatmeal, which was delicious. The oatmeal bar and coffee was held inside the high school, which is both convenient and warm on a chilly day.
The award ceremony is held in the high school field house. New for participants this year is the triple crown. For runners who completed the Good Life Race 5k, Hemingway 8k, and FLW 10k- they receive the Triple Crown Medal! Another exciting bonus for 2017, is excellent race photography with free downloads and sharing.
10k
Top Overall Males:
| Jacek Kafel | 283 | 1 | 35:42 | 5:45 | OAK PARK, IL |
| Damian Bednorz | 720 | 2 | 36:23 | 5:52 | BENSENVILLE, IL |
| Derick Anhalt | 755 | 3 | 37:11 | 5:59 | Lisle, IL |
Top Overall Females:
| Rachel Pearson | 839 | 1 | 39:22 | 6:21 | Forest Park, IL |
| Kristen Whiteside | 331 | 2 | 41:51 | 6:45 | Winthrop Harbor, IL |
| Calista Stefaniak | 746 | 3 | 42:56 | 6:55 | CHICAGO, IL |
5k
Top Overall Males:
| Benjamin Wynsma | 1766 | 1 | 15:56 | 5:08 | FOREST PARK, IL |
| Eric Lesch | 1211 | 2 | 16:12 | 5:13 | CHICAGO, IL |
| Lars Juhl | 1460 | 3 | 16:35 | 5:21 | OAK PARK, IL |
Top Overall Females:
| Lizeth Montes | 1941 | 1 | 21:29 | 6:55 | Chicago, IL |
| Samantha Duwe | 1023 | 2 | 21:31 | 6:56 | Oak Park, IL |
| Leora Kurtz | 1054 | 3 | 21:56 | 7:04 | RIVER FOREST, IL |
