Volition Run Elk Grove

Volition Run Elk Grove

Volition Run Elk Grove

( 3 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Elk Grove,
    Illinois,
    United States
  • June
  • 3 miles/5K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

James

Skokie, Illinois, United States
2 3
2016
"That view!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
James 's thoughts:

When I originally signed up for this race last summer it was supposed to be at Soldier Field in Chicago. While that is a great place to run a race with the Chicago skyline as a back drop, I am happy it was moved to Busse Woods in Elk Grove Village. This location was absolutely beautiful. However because the race was moved they are still doing a race in Chicago on September 11th. If you do both you get an extra medal called the Double Duty Challenge. There is also a P.R. challenge medal if you beat your personal best time, you have to register ahead of time. I though this was pretty cool! I will be getting mine.

The race has both a 5k distance and a Half Marathon. I opted for the half. It was a little tricky to find which entrance in Busse Woods to enter, there are many, but we found it ok. This is a huge forest preserve. Upon entering we noticed the ample FREE parking. There were even shuttle buses to take you right up to the starting line if you wanted, it wasn't a long walk but a Nice touch. Walking up to the starting area it seemed to have a nice vibe to it. There was music playing, plenty of bathrooms both porta poties and permanent bathrooms in the forest preserve. There was a merchandise tent with some cool gear. The view near the starting area was very nice, It overlooked a lake where many people, including myself, were taking photos. As I was walking up to pick up my packet I noticed a long line. I though that it would take forever to get through. However the staff quickly noticed the line and got people over to help out and it moved very quickly. Kudos to race management! Now, there were two packet pick up options to get your packets at two different Road Runner Sports locations, none were very close to where I live so I opted for race morning packet pick up which was a great idea for the race to do. Before the race we had the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem and some inspirational words from the race founder, who is a retired fighter pilot. He talked about the mission of this organization, which is to help with scholarships for the family's of wounded or killed soldiers family's. A great cause. After all of the pre-race festivities we were off. The race was completely on a paved winding course with a lot of shade throughout.There were nice bridges over rivers and lakes. Some hilly places, nothing too horrible. Then there was a fenced in area where the Elk were. They were awesome. It was almost like running in a zoo. they were just laying around some were walking. just in the middle of the forest preserve. For the most part the weather was pretty good. It did get a bit hot by about mile 7. Around mile 10 I felt some sprinkles and then at mile 12 it rained pretty hard for a few minutes, it felt pretty good though. Then the rain stopped until later in the day after the race was over. There were plenty of aid stations, bathrooms and medical support running with us on the course.

Overall I have to say this is one of my favorite races I have done, I hope it is back at this location next year. The venue was amazing!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

Latest reviews

Loading Reviews...