We are just a few short weeks away from another great opportunity for long distance running in east central Illinois. The 15th Annual Mahomet Half Marathon and 5K, taking place on August 23rd 21st at 7:00 a.m., presents runners with some interesting challenges that other area races easily avoid, mainly three hills in the last mile or so. And after 12 miles, those hills are an unwelcome sight. Mahomet also gives runners a good training run for any fall marathons they might have coming up. It is a chance to test those legs and gauge how your training is going.
I spoke with race director Joe Bails, and he said there are many benefits to running the MHM: “The overall quality of the event is good, but I would say that the course lends itself to some fast times. We do have a pretty good post-race drink and food area, along with massages and chiropractic adjustments.” “The chiropractic adjustments are a new addition this year,” Bails added. If you can get over someone touching your sweaty, salt crusted body, then this is the post-race for you!
Last year, the races, both the 5K and the half marathon, had 730 registrants combined, and 665 finished. Bails said, “We have gone up in our registration each year since 2002. Last year was our biggest increase, though, with almost a 50% increase over 2008.” For a race this size, an increase of that many registrants might change the race dynamic. Having run both the 2008 and 2009 half marathons, I know that the race’s success increased its popularity, but it kept the same small race charm. The MHM has a reputation among local runners as a great race. I use it as the touchstone of half marathons each year.
“Part of [the race’s success] is that there are few half marathons around during that time of year. We try our best to put on a good, quality event that brings people back and also brings in new runners by word of mouth of past participants. It is also set up to be six to seven weeks prior to the Chicago Marathon (and many other races) and a good way for people to test how their training is going,” Bails said.
If there is one down side to running the MHM, it is the weather. On race day, temperatures can range from the 60s to the 80s by the end of the race, and the humidity can be quite uncomfortable. “Last year we had great weather, and I am hopeful for that again this year. But it is in August, and we do live in central Illinois, so who really knows,” Bails said. If clouds are in the forecast, that could help with lower temperatures. Last year’s weather was ideal, with temperatures in the 60s, a cool, constant wind out of the north, and early morning clouds. Thirty minutes into the race, though, those clouds dissipated, yet the temperatures were still quite comfortable. With the summer we’ve been having, it’s tough to predict what will happen.
The race benefits the Mahomet Area Youth Club, and all proceeds go towards helping with programming, activities and supplies for the 150 or more kids that are members throughout the year. According to Bails, “Last year the race raised almost $17,000 for the club.”
The course winds its way through the streets of Mahomet before heading out onto country roads. Here is an unofficial course map. The official course is certified, which means you will really run 13.1 miles. Entertainment is usually out on the course in at least one location, and there are facilities available if you should need them out on the course. Water stops are quite frequent, and volunteers are very helpful. “As of today, we are about 70–80 registrants ahead of what we had last year at this time. We have also added several more sponsors this year, as more local businesses are getting involved.”
I’ll be there. Will you?
