March Madness Half Marathon
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Event Overview
The March Madness Half Marathon takes place in Cary, Illinois, approximately 50 miles northwest of Chicago. This event features two distinct distances:
- Half Marathon: A USATF-certified course (IL-23027-NM) known for its rolling terrain.
- 10K: A distance that is accurately measured for the event.
The half marathon course begins in front of Cary-Grove High School and travels through local roads that remain open to traffic. The route is marked at every mile with sign markers. For the half marathon, a three-hour time limit is enforced, and participants must reach the 8-mile mark by a specific cut-off time to complete the full course.
Participant Support and Amenities
The event provides several services to assist runners. A pace team is available for the half marathon, offering guidance for various finish times ranging from 1:35 to 2:20. Water and performance drinks are available at approximately 2.5-mile intervals and at the finish line.
Course facilities include washrooms located at multiple intervals for both distances, including access to brick washrooms in the conservation area. Indoor access is provided at the local high school. Pre-registered participants receive a tech running sweatshirt, and finishing medals are awarded to all who complete their respective courses.
Registration and Logistics
Registration is limited for the 10K distance, with a capacity of 200 participants. Packet pickup is available on the day prior to the race at a location in Crystal Lake, or on race morning at the high school gym. Parking is available at the high school lot and an overflow lot at the Cary Public Library. The event utilizes a Chronomix timing system for the finish line. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
