Kick off the long Memorial Day weekend with an Elgin spring tradition: the 41st annual Elgin Valley Fox Trot. This year’s event includes a 10-mile, 10K and 5K run as well as a 2-mile “Walk for a Cause.”

The race takes place on Saturday, May 26 in downtown Elgin, with races and walk starting at the intersection of Kimball Street and Douglas Avenue. The 10-mile run begins with a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 10K at 7:40 a.m., the 5K at 8:00 a.m., and the 2-mile “Walk for a Cause” at 7:50 a.m.

Online registration ends Wednesday night, May 23. In-person race registration is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, May 25, and from 6 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 26, at The Centre Fieldhouse, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL, 60120.

The races are a great opportunity to get some quality exercise, cheer on friends and family, and even raise money for local non-profits, all while enjoying the scenic course which winds through Elgin’s downtown, parks and historic neighborhoods. Walkers, rollerblades, strollers, dogs, bikes and skateboards are not allowed on the course.

After the races, attendees can enjoy live entertainment and refreshments, as well as cheer on participants recognized in the awards ceremony.  Trophies are awarded to the top three finishers in each age division, as well as to the overall top male and female winners.

The 10-mile, 10K and 5K runners will receive a numbered bib, a timing chip, a coupon for gear check and a Fox Trot tech shirt. Those age 21 and over will also receive a ticket for a free beer at the post-race party.

The 2-mile “Walk for a Cause” participants will receive a Fox Trot cotton t-shirt. Strollers and leashed dogs are allowed on the walking course, which tracks along the beautiful Fox River. Walking participants that register early can choose one of many local non-profits for which to donate their registration fees.

“This long-standing Elgin tradition is one to be proud of,” said Barb Keselica, City of Elgin’s Special Events & Community Engagement Manager. “People come to run, people come to cheer and people come to volunteer. It’s a great way to bring the community together.”

Visit elginvalleyfoxtrot.com for registration information, parking and lodging options, course maps and past race results.

SOURCE: city of Elgin news release