Need-to-Know Information about Lemont's Quarryman Race

LEMONT, IL — Over 1,000 runners, volunteers, spectators and support crews are expected to descend on downtown Lemont on Saturday, May 7 as the Citgo Quarryman Challenge 10 Mile & 5K returns to town for its tenth annual running.

“There are lots of running races in Chicagoland, but nothing that is as unique and challenging as the Quarryman” said Dave Fako and M.J. Gasik, of Direction Sports.

Packet pick-up begins on Thursday May 5 at Dick Pond in Lisle from noon – 8 p.m., continues at Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria in Lemont on Friday May 6. Pick-up is also available starting at 6 a.m. on race day at Lemont Village Hall. The race starts at 7:30 a.m.

The race starts, finishes and post-race events will be held at Village Hall and the parking lot and streets adjacent to Village Hall. Residents should be aware of runners on the streets and advised that there will be detours and temporary street closings during the event. Starting at6:00 A.M:

• Main Street will be closed from Julia west to Lockport Street (near the VFW) west of the State St. bridge from ~ 6 to - 9 a.m. Main Street west of Stephen may be re-open at approximately 9 a.m.;
• Main Street from Julia – Stephen will be closed from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Lemont St. will be closed from Main Street south to Cass until ~ 9 a.m.
• Stephen St. will be temporarily closed from Illinois to the train tracks from ~ 7 to 7:45 a.m.; and,
• The crossing of Main Street at Holmes will be closed during the race.

One new section on the course is the Norton loop off of Warner. Residents on this street should be aware that between about 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. runners will be coming through that area.

Downtown Lemont will have similar closings as the car show; but, Stephen will remain open after the race starts and the streets north of the R.R. tracks will remain open and accessible. The streets should be fully re-opened by 11 a.m. or earlier.

The Quarryman has been named one of the toughest races in Chicago by Chicago Athlete Magazine and will be on the CARA Runners’ Choice Competitive circuit for the third year in a row. New this year is affiliation with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). The Quarryman is part of MDA’s Team Momentum, where runners can help raise funds for the MDA.

Lemont’s residents are encouraged to cheer, play music, ring bells, and write (in chalk) encouraging messages on the street as the runners challenge themselves on the most difficult run course in the Chicago area. To determine if your home is on the race course or find good viewing spots, review the map: Quarryman Map.

The Quarryman offers the most challenging course in the Chicago area and is part of the Chicago Area Runners Association’s (CARA) 2016 Runners’ Choice competitive circuit. CARA members can compete on this Circuit for year-end awards.

Registration and information about the Quarryman can be found at: www.QuarrymanChallenge.com.