Winner of Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) Race of the Year for two years in a row, the 5th Annual 2024 Hidden Gem Half Marathon returns to Flossmoor on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. for a 13.1-mile run through the town’s tree lined streets. This destination race is a quick drive or METRA train ride away from Chicago. Visitors can expect lots of free parking, great runner swag and medals, one of Illinois' largest cash prize pools and FREE beer at the end of the race. The 2024 Hidden Gem Half Marathon title sponsor is UChicago Medicine.
More than just a race, the Hidden Gem shines a bright light on Chicago's South Suburbs and fosters a sense of Flossmoor pride and community spirit. The 2024 Hidden Gem Half Marathon is part of this summer’s festivities celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Village of Flossmoor.
New and returning runners from over 25 states and multiple countries, those training for the Chicago Marathon and casual runners alike will line up at 7:30 a.m. along Douglas Avenue in Flossmoor for the start of the race. The course will weave through stunning subdivisions and pass staple landmarks of the town including Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Coyote Run Golf Course, a variety of 100+ year-old historic homes and Flossmoor’s world class sculpture park before finishing in the heart of downtown Flossmoor. Mile after mile, runners will be cheered on by musical groups, cheerleaders, steppers, dance teams, DJs, choirs and residents hosting themes cheer parties.
Performances and events throughout the Hidden Gem route:
Mile 1: Homewood-Flossmoor High School Drumline
at Baythorn area
Mile 1-2: DJ Michael Harris
at Ballantrae Residence from 7:30-8:15 AM
Mile 3: Fitness With Rose
at Flossmoor Hills Residence from 7:45-8:40 AM
Mile 4-5: Sounds of Illinois Community Music Center Brass (Central Park location)
Cheerleaders/Steppers/Dance Teams (east of path and bio pond path)
Homewood-Flossmoor Marching Band (tunnel-north Field House parking lot)
at Homewood-Flossmoor High School Campus from 7:50-9:05 AM
Mile 6-7 Glow Dance Fit music
On Braemar Rd from 8:00-9:15 AM
Mile 7-8 Joseph the Drummer
Homewood-Flossmoor Choir (west side of the viaduct) (runners will pass you twice)
in Heather Hill neighborhood from 8:05-9:40 AM
Mile 10 DJ Fidel Calderon (at Calderon Residences) (announcing runners)
at Gardner/Hutchison from 8:20-10:45 AM
Mile 11-12 HF Choir – (west side of the viaduct) (runners will pass you twice)
at Flossmoor CBD from 8:25-11:00 AM
Mile 12-13 Matt Kuhnen DJ
Parker Jr High Cheerleaders
at Leavitt Park from 8:30-11:15AM (Wallace and Argyle)
Finish Line Girl Scouts Troup 627 helping with waters/medals
Yellow Jackets (from 8:34-11:30 AM)
DJ Vic (7:30-11:00)
at Sterling Ave & library parking lot area
Race Day Timeline:
6:30 AM: Runners begin assembling near start for warmups
6:45 AM: Welcome
7:05 AM: Zumba Warmup
7:23 AM: National Anthem
7:26 AM: Announcements
7:30 AM: Race start
8:00 AM: DJ party music at Finish Line Island
8:33 AM: Anticipated race winners cross finish line
8:33-10:30 AM: Runners cross finish line
8:30- 1:00 PM: Kegs and Eggs: runners, spectators and volunteer celebration
The Hidden Gem Half Marathon is proud to partner with UChicago Medicine, Land O’ Frost, Meijer, Village of Flossmoor, Athletico, Flossmoor Station Brewery, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
More information can be found at www.hiddengemhalf.com.
About Hidden Gem Half Marathon
Since 2018, the Hidden Gem Half Marathon has been held on the first Saturday after Labor Day. With its traditional scheduling just weeks before the Chicago Marathon, the 13.1-mile course attracts aspiring marathon runners with its idyllic course conditions and animated residents who line the village’s streets cheering on the runners. For the past two years, the Hidden Gem Half Marathon has been recognized by Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) as Circuit Race of the Year.
About Flossmoor’s Future
Flossmoor’s Future is a registered 501c nonprofit organization made up of all volunteer community members. The organization has been responsible for a number of the village’s celebrations and events including the 60422 Zip Code Day party, Bike the Gem and played a large role in Plant the Gem. In addition, the group returns proceeds from events into beautifying the village with adornments including custom sculptures and a memorial bench saluting first responders. Recently, the organization announced it will be producing a multi-part documentary film of Flossmoor’s history in celebration of its 100th anniversary. The group will work with the Foundation for the Preservation of Flossmoor History on the project.