2015 First Midwest Half-Marathon and 10K Survival Guide

The 8th annual First Midwest Half-Marathon and 10K is just days away. Runners have been training for months, and Patch has the details for participants and spectators, courtesy of the race website.

Nearly 1,400 runners have signed up for the half-marathon, with 330 registered for the 10K. The 10K is closed, but the half-marathon is still open, until Wednesday.

Date and Start Time

When: Sunday, May 3
Location: Route 83 & 76th Avenue in Palos Heights
Half Marathon Start: 7:30 a.m.
10K Start: 7:40 a.m.
Walk, Run or Roll Start: 7:45 a.m.

Event Details

How Far?

There will be a 13.1 mile Half Marathon, a 10K run and a half mile Walk, Run or Roll race for those with special needs. Those competing in the Walk, Run or Roll will start after all half-marathon participants have cleared the starting line area. New this year their will Pace Groups for finishing times 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30. Also, free ample parking within 2 block radius, Post Race Entertainment (including band and beer), new B-Tag timing chips (timing chip is attached to the runner bib and therefore participant does not have to do anything).

Pre-Race Church Service

A non-denominational church service will be held on race day, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. in the large tent near City Hall. Service will be conducted by Pastor Ryan Hall from Harvest Bible Church.

Fun and Entertainment

There will be live bands at the Start/Finish area and at the halfway turnaround. In addition, each of the 8 water stations will be hosted by sponsors and volunteers and decorated in holiday themes (Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, etc.).

The Course

The First Midwest Half Marathon is truly a “green” race. The flat, fast course has only three turns, taking runners through Palos Heights, Palos Park and the Cook County Forest Preserves. Click here for more about the route.

Race results are based on chip timing.

Packet Pick-Up

Race packets must be picked up between 9am and 3pm at the Health Fair & Expo, sponsored by the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce, Saturday, May 2nd at Moraine Valley Church, just east of Ridgeland Avenue on 127th Street in Palos Heights.

Proceeds to Charity

Part of the proceeds will be contributed to American Cancer Society for Prostate Cancer Research, the South West Special Recreation Association and Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens. The first four First Midwest Half Marathons have raised more than $100,000 for these worthy charities and more. Learn more about the charity efforts.

Road Closures

Route 83 will be closed to all traffic on race day, between roughly 5:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible and seek alternative routes during this timeframe. Possible alternatives to Route 83 would be 111th street, 123rd Street, 131st street Rt 45, Harlem Avenue, and Ridgeland Avenue.

Did you Know?

Since 2008, the Half Marathon has raised more than $150,000—$165,000, in fact—for the American Cancer Society for Prostate Cancer and Research, the South West Special Recreation Association and Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. This year’s race will benefit the Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens in Palos Heights.