m/w cross country 5K/3K info

July 9, 2012
SIXTH ANNUAL PRAIRIE STATE PIONNERS 5K RUN/3K WALK SET TO TAKE FLIGHT
Prairie State College head men’s and women’s cross country coach Oscar Espinosa has seen the Prairie State Pioneers 5k Run/3k Walk grow by leaps and bounds since its inception in 2007.

The sixth addition of the annual event is set to step off Saturday, July 28 from the Pioneer Recreation and Sports Park (100 197th Place, Chicago Heights, IL).

The 5k (3.1 mile) run is slated for a 9:30 a.m. start while the 3k walk (1.8 miles) will begin at 9:35 a.m.

Potential participants are encouraged to take advantage of both event’s early-registration opportunity. All 5k runners will pay a registration fee of 20 dollars if registered before July 28. All walkers can pay a 12-dollar early registration prior to the 28th.

All 5k participants who register on the day of the event will pay 25 dollars while all walkers who register on the 28th will be charged 15 dollars.

All early registrants will receive a Prairie State Pioneers 5k Run/3k Walk t-shirt.

All participants will receive a goody bag, food and beverages at the finish line and a raffle entry with the opportunity to win running gear along with other assorted gifts.

Race day registration will take place from 8-9 a.m. on the 28th.

There will be seven age groups for both women and men in the 5k run with medals being awarded to the first-place male and female finishers in each classification. All male and female second and third-place finishers in each class will receive a certificate.

All 3k walkers will also receive a participation certificate.

For additional information please contact Prairie State Athletic Department Administrative Assistant Barb Graf (708) 709-7837 or Prairie State Coordinator of Sports Information Chris Kuchta (708) 709-3950.

Event Fees:

5k Run $20 early; $25 event day; $15 early (student with ID); $20 event day (student)
3k Walk $12 early; $15 event day


To avoid long lines the day of the event, event fees can be paid in advance at the PSC Athletic Complex located in the Field House.
Make checks payable to: Prairie State College, Memo: 5K Run.
You may pay via credit card at the business office located in the Main Building. Park in Lot A then walk into the Main Building.

For more information regarding event fees, call or e-mail either Barb Graf (708) 709-7837 or Chris Kuchta (708) 709-3950. Packets will be available for pickup on July 26.

Race day registration will take place from 8 - 9 a.m. at the Prairie State College Parking Lot E.

The Course: A printable pdf map of the course is located online. There are also copies in the Athletic Office.

Directions: Directions

Participants will receive:

• Goody bags
• Food and beverages at the finish line
• Raffle entry - running gear and other gifts

Event t-shirts will only be given to runners who register between April 1 and July 23.

Begin/Finish: The run/walk starts at 9:30 a.m. and 9:35 a.m. at Prairie State College, located at 202 South Halsted Street in Chicago Heights, IL. The 5K course is 3.1 miles and the 3K walk is 1.8 miles. The streets are marked at each mile. A digital clock will be at the finish line. Bicycles, in-line skaters, roller skaters, scooters, other wheeled vehicles (except wheelchairs), and dogs are not allowed during the events.

Water Stations / Medical Aid: Water stations are near the start and midpoint of the course. There will also be water and medical personnel available in the finish line area. Washrooms are located on campus in the main building.

Special Needs: We invite any participant with a special need to contact our staff upon registration so that necessary arrangements may be made.

Volunteer Opportunities: This event needs many volunteers to help on the day of the race. We need people to help with refreshments, clean-up, course security, and in many other ways. If you are not planning to participate in the run or walk and can give a few hours the morning of July 23 we can use your help! If interested, please contact Oscar Espinosa at (708) 709-2943, by e-mail at oespinosa@prairiestate.edu or indicate your preference on the online form.

Awards and Results: In the following age divisions of the 5K Run, medals will be given to the first place male and female finishers; 2nd and 3rd place finishers will receive an Award Certificate. Walkers also receive a certificate.