This was my second (consecutive) time running this event and was again very pleased. What I didn't know last year but I learned this year is that this event is put on and organizes entirely by VOLUNTEERS, all people (I think) who live/work etc in Lemont. Considering how tough the course if and how smoothly the event goes, I find this very impressive!

Unlike last year I went into the race this year with respect for the course. START EASY! The first quarter mile + of the race is flat and down Main Street until you take a hard left up the first (STEEP) hill. This race boasts a fast field so people have a tendency to really take off, but if you control your start, you'll past DOZENS of runners just in the first mile.

The hills aren't ever un-runnable but they are more or less nonstop. The course turns and twists a lot and makes the distribution of the climbs and descends really perfect.Whenever you really begin to feels burning quads or tired lungs it's magically time to go downhill. If you are fit, and you run an even effort on the ups AND downs you will be rewarded by being able to less loose and FLY through the last mile which is almost entirely down hill and then flat for the last .15mi or so down Main Street to the finish line.

Top 3 male and female finishers are awarded cash prizes and age groups 3 deep receive the signature hunks of rock. Only 'meh" element in the unisex shirts which are basically cocktail dresses for the women.

Stick around for the post-race party, there are several options for free beer and cider and they encourage refills. It's wonderful to see everyone and the kids from the last couple of aid-stations run in with the last athlete. (who is something of a legend)