The Muddy Waters 5k: A Spirits Run at Fat Tommy’s

The Homewood Flossmoor Community Running Club challenges all Chicagoland Clubs to compete in the 4th annual South-Southwest Suburban Club Challenge.

Area clubs can form 3 person teams of all males, all females, or co-ed- both for high school, open, and masters. The times of the three finishers will be added up to determine the Champions in each division.

Unattached runners are welcome.

Following the race participants can receive one free appetizer at our awards ceremony at Oliver's in Oak Forest starting at 8:00 PM.

Email bob@ilpreptoptiming to get your club registered and receive a $15 discount for members of your club.

This Wednesday evening race kicks off at 7:00 PM and runs through the trails of Yankee Woods.

The Start and Finish of the race is at Yankee Woods, approximately 166th & Central Ave. in Tinley Park.

Top three overall individuals will receive awards, as well as the top three in each of the following age groups:

14 & Under

15-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70 & Older

Kids are welcome to join! Bring the whole family!

There will be a race lead on bike for runners & walkers.

We will provide beverages before the race and also at the water station

at the halfway point for participants. We will provide orange paper cups for water and purple paper cups for sports drinks.

We will also provide a complimentary gear check for all participants.

There will be distance markers at every half mile of the race to indicate where you are.

We will give a quick announcement then a warmup stretches starting at 8:30am.

We will have packet pick Thursday 9/18 4pm - 7pm & Friday 9am - 12pm

Pick up location is 13307 Olde Western Ave St, Blue Island, IL 60406.

If you can not make this day, you may pick up your packet the day of the event at 8am.

After the race is completed, we will announce awards and prizes.

Race Rules:

NO bikes, skates or scooters.

Strollers are permitted but will start with the walkers, not runners.

Wheelchairs are also permitted and will begin with the walkers.

This race will be a chip-timed event.

We will also display times on our race website the following day, be sure to check out your time!

Our timing company will be using RFID Bib Chips which will need to be worn on the front of your torso.

Awards:

First, second & third placed by a male will receive an award.

First, second & third placed by a female will receive an award.

Overall winner will receive a prize.

Parking instructions for 5K event

VOLUNTEERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST YOU

THE PARKING FOR OUR 5K EVENT WILL ONCE AGAIN BE UNDER THE WESTERN AVE BRIDGE OFF BROADWAY RD BETWEEN OLDE WESTERN AND REXFORD DR. WHEN APROACHING FROM ETHER OLDE WESTERN FROM THE WEST OR FROM ASHALND AVE FROM THE EAST PLEASE PROCEED TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE BRIDGE WHERE VOLUNTEERS WILL BE ON HAND TO DIRECT YOU IN PARKING. BE ADVISED THAT THERE MAY BE SOME PARKING ON SIDE STREETS SURRINDING THE GUILDHAUS BUT PLEASE PAY ATTION TO ANY RESCRICTIONS THAT ARE IN PLACE. PLEASE BE SAFE AND COURTIOUS LET US HELP YOU.

Refund Policy:

There will no refunds for this event.

If this event is canceled, you will receive an email notification with information to reschedule.

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to reach out to Angela, event coordinator by email or phone

[email protected] or 708-385-3228 ext. 102.

Join us for the Inaugural Catch the Elf race on December 20th. This Christmas themed race benefits the Toy Box Connection Children's Charity.

Date and Location: December 19, 202 at NEW LOCATION IN 2026- TBA

Race Format: Each race (the 5k and the 10k) will have its own race elf. The elf will get a one minute thirty second head start. If you finish before the elf, you will win a special prize!

Awards: Each chip timed race will have awards for the Top 3 overall as well as the top 3 males and females in various age groups.

Santa's Presence: Santa will be on site to hear Children's Christmas Wishes.

Secret Santa: Drop off a $15 or less running related gift to choose a secret Santa gift after your race.

Secret Santa Participation

Anyone interested in participating in our secret Santa can bring a small (value of $10-$15) running related gift. Turn it in, wrapped, at packet pickup, and you will get a special sticker on your bib to allow you to pick from the secret Santa pile after the race. First come, first serve. No exchanging of gifts after you have chosen one.

Race Start Time: Both races will start at 9:00 AM

Packet Pickup: Packet pickup will be held on Friday, December 18th as well as race morning starting at 7:30 AM.

Friday packet pickup will be at Running for Kicks, 7158 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights from Noon to 6pm.

Gear Check: We will have a gear check. We request that you keep all valuables in a safe location.

Awards Pickup: There will not be an awards ceremony. If you finish in the top 3 in your age group, please pick up your award before leaving the race site.

Results and Shirts

Live Results: Live results will be available online at www.ilpreptoptiming.com.

Shirts: A long sleeve shirt is included with your registration fee.

For the Kids

Santa's Visit: Santa will make a special visit to hear kids Christmas wishes.

Kids Race: There will be a kids race for those 8 and younger.

About Toy Box Connection

How Toy Box Connection Works: www.toyboxconnection.com

Mission: Our mission is to connect children in need with toys and books.

Operation: We accept new and used toy/book donations and redistribute them to children through other non-profits.

Community Engagement: We conduct fundraising events to support our mission and improve literacy scores in schools.

Future Programs: We hope to initiate an Athletes Work Program for high school students.

Contributions on Race Day

While Toy Box Connection will never turn down donated gifts, they request gift cards from Amazon or Target to help them purchase gifts that match their demand. If you wish to donate, Legos are a great gift, as they are neither age nor gender restricted.