Tenth Running of Quarryman Challenge 10-Mile and 5K Nearing Sell Out

Caption: Carl Hays, age 80, completes the 2014 Quarryman 10 Mile as the final finisher with a group ofQuarryman 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 tenth annual running. The race has record registration and may sell out before race day, so runners are encouraged to register soon.

The race HQ, start/finish and post-race events will continue to be held at Village Hall and parking lot and streets adjacent to Village. Packet pick-up begins at 6 a.m. and the race starts at 7:30 a.m. 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 ~6:00 AM - 9:00 AM. Main Street west of Stephen may be re-open at approximately 9:00 AM;
• Main Street from Julia – Stephen will be closed from 6 AM - ~ 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 ~ 7:20 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.; and,
• The crossing of Main Street at Holmes will be closed during the race.

Essentially, downtown 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, review the map: Quarryman Map.

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

The race is followed by a post-race party in the Chicago area featuring a DJ, new this year karaoke, plus free pizzas from Turnabout and Gelsosomos, and free beer from 3 Corners Grill & Tap and Pollyanna Brewing Company, located in downtown Lemont.