On Saturday, July 15 the Hemingway 8k, Running of the Bulls was held in Oak Park. The start and finish line was near the Oak Park Public library adjacent to Scoville Park. Minor difficulties securing the course caused a 15 minute delay.
The course itself is flat and fast with plenty of hydration support. As always, I loved the support from the community of Oak Park; residents came out and cheered and provided sprinklers in the street. Thankfully, this year the weather was very moderate and not a typical scorching summer day, but I still appreciated those sprinklers.
There’s two races for maximum family fun. The race for adults – the 8k or 4.97 miles – and a Running of the Bulls for children. 8k participants are encouraged to wear costumes. This year for the first time, I dressed as a bull (all black and some horns).
The children’s Running of the Bulls, starts with decorating cardboard boxes and then the children dressed in their newly created bull costumes race around Scoville Park. Costumes were judged and winners received gifts from local Oak Park businesses. Sponsors this year included Lively Athletics, Fleet Feet Sports, Orange Theory Fitness, Weichert Realtors, Yoga Loft, Wednesday Journal and Element Massage.
Typical post-race treats were provided including bananas, bagels, and granola bars. Premium Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream and Dunkin’ Donuts coffee were also available for participants. Post race plan to stay for the Hemingway District’s sidewalk sale and maybe walk down Oak Park Avenue or Lake street for a post race meal or brunch.
Top Overall Males:
Michael Wehrley 28:06
Andrew LeMesurier 28:19
Damian Bednorz 28:26
Top Overall Females:
Agnes Muller-Goldstein 38:17
Jessica Black 38:50
Kate Marlin 39:17
