Algonquin's First Run for Recreation Scheduled for May

In an effort to bring more fitness options to Algonquin, the village will hold its first Run for Recreation on Saturday, May 19, 2012. The scenic 10-mile run will start at and wind through Algonquin’s neighborhoods and bike trails.

Algonquin’s Recreation Superintendent Corrine Kroger had the idea to bring a new and unique running event to the village. “I’m a runner myself, and I realized Algonquin was lacking in running and walking events,” said Kroger, who became Recreation Superintendent in July this year.

Kroger set out to see what kinds of races other communities offer, and she realized that most towns only offer shorter races. “I thought a 10-mile race would be great because it’s a unique distance. It’s great for those training for a half-marathon and for people who want something a little more than a 10k.”

Kroger also wanted to offer a race that would highlight the community. The race will start in Algonquin’s historical Towne Park, and the first quarter-mile will be up Huntington Hill, said Kroger, who ran throughout Algonquin to help plan the race route.

The race will end on the bike path, and a post-race party will take place back at Towne Park. “We want there to be a real sense of accomplishment at the end,” Kroger said. Awards will be given to the top two male and female finishers in several age groups, and local vendors will also be on hand.

The village of Algonquin is also partnering with trainers Seth and Karen Kopf to provide a 10-week training program for participants in the 10-mile race.

The Lake in the Hills couple recently started their own endurance training business, Kopf Running. Together the Kopfs have completed 10 Chicago Marathons and 26 half-marathons, and they run about 7-8 shorter races each year.

“We both were athletes in college,” said Seth Kopf, “and we wanted a way to stay involved in that.” They began running, and “we fell in love with the sport,” he added.

The Kopfs contacted Kroger in hopes of getting involved in Algonquin’s running community. “We help family and friends with races and training,” said Kopf, “and we wanted to help more people in the community.”

The Kopfs' You CAN Run training program for the 10-mile race begins March 14 and meets every Wednesday and Saturday morning until the day of the race. Those who enroll in the training program will also get $10 off their race registration fee.

In addition to providing training, nutrition and injury-prevention tips, the Kopfs also offer a positive support system. “People feed off a group environment,” said Seth Kopf. “We are catering to beginning runners—the people who maybe want to drop 10 pounds, or get over a hurdle in their lives. It helps to have someone holding you accountable and coaching you along the way.”

Additionally, the Run for Recreation will benefit Algonquin’s Events and Recreation Scholarship Fund, which provides funding for youth recreational programs.

The scholarship fund covers 80% of registration costs for families in the community who struggle financially but still wish to enroll their children in activities like dance classes and swimming lessons.

“With registration for past events, we’ve asked for donations and would get a dollar or two here and there,” said Kroger. “But this will really help us continue these services.”

Kroger hopes to see the Run for Recreation become an annual event. "Maybe we could expand it to a fall 5K or walk," she said. "Health and fitness is an area where we could use growth, especially for youth.”

The Kopfs also hope to see the Run for Recreation spark more health and fitness events in the community. “Running is wonderful because it does not discriminate by age or body size,” said Seth Kopf. “Anything is possible. We’re excited and looking forward to it.”

A free You CAN Run informational session will be held at Algonquin’s Historic Village Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 6 p.m. For more information on race registration, visit http://www.algonquin.org/recreation or view Algonquin’s Events and Recreation Guide here.