Return Of Flossmoor's Hidden Gem Half Marathon Set For Sept. 10

FLOSSMOOR, IL — Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 10, for the return of the Hidden Gem Half Marathon, sponsored by UChicago Medicine. This year’s race is expected to welcome as many as 1,000 runners, hundreds of volunteers and thousands of spectators to Flossmoor.

Runners will travel through Flossmoor’s neighborhoods and tree-lined streets, past schools, parks and churches, and experience the inclusive community spirit that makes Flossmoor unique, according to a release from the Village. The Hidden Gem Half Marathon is certified by the Chicago Area Runner’s Association (CARA). If you are interested in running, registration is now open.

Not a runner but want to help support the race? There are plenty of volunteer and sponsorship opportunities as well. You can register to run, volunteer, sponsor or simply learn more at www.hiddengemhalf.com.

IMPORTANT ROAD CLOSURES

The Hidden Gem race will wind through nearly every neighborhood of Flossmoor, which will necessitate road closures throughout the Village, including the major streets of Flossmoor Road, Governors Highway, Kedzie and Western Avenue.

The race is expected to start at 7:30 a.m. on Flossmoor Road near Infant Jesus of Prague School. The 13.1-mile race course travels west on Flossmoor Road and through the Baythorne, Ballantrae and Flossmoor Hills and Highlands neighborhoods before turning back east.

The latter half of the race will wind through the campus of HF High School then through Heather Hill, the Brassie/Braeburn area, Flossmoor Park and Old Flossmoor. Access into and out of those neighborhoods will be limited throughout the race.

The major thoroughfares (Flossmoor Road, Kedzie and Governors) will be closed from approximately 7 to 10 a.m. to ensure the safety of the runners. Portions of the route, including major streets, will be reopened as soon as all runners pass through. Some neighborhood closures and specific route details are subject to minor changes, but all major thoroughfares will be closed from 7 to 10 a.m.

The Hidden Gem planning committee has distributed door hangers and map details to all residents who will be affected by closures. For the safety of runners, volunteers, emergency responders, and our neighbors, please avoid unnecessary travel during the race, and/or park your vehicle outside of the race route.