Lace Your Shoes For A Trio Of Trail Runs In Illinois
Spring is a great time to get back outside and get healthy, although some people have been doing more of that through the cold and snow of winter than others. One way to jump-start your spring fitness program is to take part in the races at Allerton Trails the weekend of April 4. Not only can you help yourself feel better, you can help Make-A-Wish Illinois at the same time.
The Allerton Trails Half-Marathon, 10K and Trail-Glo 5K races take place at Robert Allerton Park in Monticello. The Trail-Glo 5K kicks off the weekend’s festivities on Friday, April 3. Starting at 8:30 p.m., runners get to experience Allerton after dark and see the park in a whole new light! This year is the first year of the Trail-Glo 5K race, which will start and end near the park’s visitor center. There will be illuminated trail markings under the moon-lit sky. You'll also pass right through the Sunken Garden, Chinese Musicians, Rodin's Adam, and more, as you make your way to a finish area full of surprises, including s'mores and music. This race is also a celebration of Saturday's race volunteers (who can run the 5K for free), and the perfect warm-up for all running enthusiasts who want to come back on April 4.
Saturday morning, the 10K and half-marathon start side-by-side, following the same course until the 10K turns for the finish with a 150-yard sprint between the FuDog statues. The two races start with an asphalt stretch across the river to the Schroth trailhead, winding through wooded terrain above the Sangamon River, circles through the historic Lost Garden and into a gorgeous meadow, crossing the river again, before heading to the finish.
The half-marathon course will be determined the week prior to the race depending on trail conditions and flooding.
Last year’s inaugural event raised $13,000 to benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois with an average of 80 percent of each race fee directly going to Make-A-Wish Illinois thanks to donations, sponsorships and volunteering.
Not Ready To Run? You Can Help In Other Ways
April may be early in the season for runners to feel ready to take on a race. But that doesn’t mean you can’t help Make-A-Wish Illinois in other ways. One way may be as close as your garage or driveway, thanks to our car donation charity. Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish Illinois, can take your unwanted car, truck, boat or RV and help it become a wish for a child.
Most makes and models of vehicles are accepted, and vehicles are picked up or towed away at absolutely no charge to you, at a time and place that’s most convenient for you. Plus, it’s easy to donate! Cars, trucks, boats, campers – just give us a call at 1-855-278-9474 or fill out our donation form. Your donation benefits Make-A-Wish Illinois and helps to grant the wish of a child with a critical illness.
