It’s no secret that I love the excitement of a big, city race. However, nothing can beat a slice of Saturday morning Americana. This is how I found myself at Trinity Christian School in Shorewood on Saturday, April 28th. According to the website, the mission of the race is to promote Trinity Christian School as a community partner in inspiring healthy minds, bodies and spirit.
At 8 a.m. I found myself lined up with 84 other like-minded runners after the National Anthem. A rather abrupt starting gun led us to all say “Oh, we’re going!”
The course runs through a neighborhood where we were cheered on by residents, friendly course marshalls, and the local police on traffic control. My friends Alex and Beth were at the single water stop cheering runners by name.
It was a beautiful morning post-race as we all hung out in the TCS parking lot listening to the DJ while waiting for the final runner. Suddenly hot pizza was delivered to join the popcorn, frozen yogurt, bagels, protein drinks and water already set up for us. The results were posted and updated in a timely manner which is always appreciated. But my favorite things were the flushable port-a-potties! AMAZING!
Awards were given for overall winners and three deep in age groups. I did manage to pull off a 3rd place in my group. Just another reason to love small races.
Inwood Running Club from Joliet won $100 for most team members and donated it back to the school scolarship fund. Runner Lori Quigley won a $500 scholarship as one of the raffle prizes and also donated it back.
Top 3 Men
James Larsen, Plainfield 20:56
John Bozue, Plainfield 21:58
Jimi Del Angel, Joliet 23:14
Top 3 Women
Sonia Villarreal, Plainfield 25:23
Lisa Vugteveen, Joliet 26:15
Kim Gleason, Minooka 26:31
