OSF Heritage Run to Celebrate 25th Year

Sunday, April 26 - 10K / 2Mile Run - Rockford, IL

=Images= | Heritage Run Logo

 

One of the oldest races in Rockford, the OSF Heritage Run, will celebrate its 25th year on Sunday afternoon, April 26.  The race, which includes events for the entire family and for all levels of fitness, will begin at 1 p.m. in downtown Rockford. OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center is the major sponsor of the event which benefits the YMCA's Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
 
Begun in the mid 1980s during Historic Preservation Month, the OSF Heritage Run starts downtown and continues through several historic neighborhoods and on the river recreation path. Runners, walkers and families interested in fitness are invited to participate.

The OSF Heritage Run includes a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) race, a two-mile run, a two-mile family walk and a kids' half-mile fun run. The 10k and two-mile races begin at 1 p.m. on Wyman, north of the Zeke Giorgi State of Illinois building. Both races are part of the Rockford Road Runners' Race Circuit. 

Registration fee for the 10 km and two-mile races is $25 before the event and $30 the day of the race.  A $5 entry fee is charged for youngsters participating in the kids' fun run. Runners may download the registration form, complete and mail to Big Brothers Big Sisters, YMCA, 200 Y Blvd., Rockford, IL 61107, or visit www.rockfordymca.org to register online. Registration forms will also be available at the Rockford YMCA, Runners Image, and the OSF Center for Sports Medicine and Health Fitness. 

All run and walk participants receive a specially-designed long-sleeve shirt as well as refreshments and awards. Participants in the kids' fun run receive a short-sleeve t-shirt and finishers' ribbon. Door prizes also will be awarded to pre-registered runners. Registration and packet pick-up will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 12 noon at Stewart Square, 308 W. State, on the downtown mall. Free cholesterol and blood pressure screenings will be held during registration hours in Stewart Square.   

Cash awards will be given to the top three overall male and female winners in the 10 kilometer race as well as the top female and male master's division (40 and over) 10k winners.  Over $1,000 in prize money will be awarded.  Awards will also be presented to the overall male and female winners in the two-mile and 10 km races.

Fifteen age divisions are eligible for the races beginning with 6 to 11, 12 to 14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and 75 and over. Specially designed 25th anniversary medals will be awarded to the top five finishers in each age group.

Other sponsors of the OSF Heritage Run include Cream City Scale, Woodward, the Rockford Road Runners, the City of Rockford and Mayor's Office of Tourism, Culture and Special Events, the Rockford Area Amateur Radio Operators and the YMCA of Rock River Valley. 

For more information, call the YMCA at 815/489-1280 or visit www.rockfordymca or www.osfsaintanthony.org.