Quarryman Challenge Ready for Race Day

Caption: Carl Hays, age 80, completes the 2014 Quarryman 10 Mile as the final finisher with a group of Quarryman volunteers. Hays will be running the race again in 2015. | Credit: La Bella Vita Photography

Over 1,000 runners, volunteers, spectators and support crews are expected to descend on downtown Lemont on Saturday, May 9 as the Citgo Quarryman Challenge 10 Mile & 5K returns to town for its 10th annual running.

The race has record registration and is approaching a sell-out. A limited number of registrations may be available at packet pickup and on race day, but is not guaranteed.

Packet pick-up begins on Wednesday at Dick Pond in Lisle from noon to 8 p.m., continues at Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria in Lemont on Thursday, May 7, and 3 Corners Grill and Tap in Lemont on Friday May 8. Pickup is also available starting at 6 a.m. on race day. The race starts at 7:30 a.m.

The race starts, finishes and post-race events will be held at Lemont Village Hall and the parking lot and streets adjacent to Village Hall. Residents should be aware of runners on the streets and advised that there will be detours and temporary street closings during the event. Starting at 6 a.m.:

• Main Street will be closed from Julia west to Lockport Street (near the VFW) west of the State St. bridge from ~ 6 to 9 a.m. Main Street west of Stephen may be re-open at approximately 9 a.m.
• Main Street from Julia – Stephen will be closed from 6 to 10:30 a.m.
• Lemont St. will be closed from Main Street south to Cass until ~ 9 a.m.;
• Stephen St. will be temporarily closed from Illinois to the train tracks from ~ 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.; and,
• The crossing of Main Street at Holmes will be closed during the race.

Downtown Lemont will have similar closings as the car show; but, Stephen will remain open after the race starts and the streets north of the R.R. tracks will remain open and accessible. The streets should be fully re-opened by 11 a.m. or earlier.

Lemont’s residents are encouraged to cheer, play music, ring bells, and write (in chalk) encouraging messages on the street as the runners challenge themselves on the most difficult run course in the Chicago area. To determine if your home is on the race course or find good viewing spots, review the map: Quarryman Map.

The Quarryman offers the most challenging course in the Chicago area and is part of the Chicago Area Runners Association’s (CARA) 2015 Runners’ Choice competitive circuit. CARA members can compete on this Circuit for year-end awards.

Registration and information about the Quarryman can be found at: www.QuarrymanChallenge.com.