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 for a 13.1-mile run through the town’s tree lined streets. 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 enjoy an entertaining run through beautiful, shady neighborhoods with high-energy cheering residents lining the entire route. This destination race is a quick drive or METRA train ride away from Chicago, and 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.
As a way of celebrating the 5th year of this race and to keep the fun going after the runners have crossed the finish line, the event will be followed by a Kegs and Eggs celebration for all runners, volunteers, residents and visitors. The after-party will be held on the island off Sterling Ave in downtown Flossmoor from 8am to 1pm.
The Hidden Gem Half Marathon Race Director and lifelong Flossmoor resident Tom Dobrez shared, “There has been a long tradition of volunteerism and community pride in Flossmoor. This makes this centennial year celebration of that community spirit even grander. It’s a party 100 years in the making.”
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.