Back for its second year, the Trail Run 5K and 10K will once again be taking over Dayton Bluffs Preserve, 253 acres of beautiful prairie and forest located just to the North of Ottawa, near Interstate 80.
Last year's inaugural race brought over 50 trail runners out to participate in a multi-terrain 5K. This year, event organizers have added an additional 10K race route and a professional timing system, courtesy of Phil Taylor of Racing Expectations.
As an added treat for running fans, the race routes were designed by Ottawa's own Coree Aussem-Woltering, a world-renowned, The North Face sponsored, road and trail runner. Coree will be featured in the upcoming Amazon Prime reboot of the Eco-Challenge, hosted by Bear Grylls, in 2020.
While Dayton Bluffs provides a beautiful backdrop for a trail run, the organizers weren't afraid to throw their runners and walkers a bit of a challenge.
The 10K route, that loops around the entire preserve, features a wide mix of single track terrains, steep climbs and descents, as well as a great view of the Fox River. The 5K is less intensive, with a route that winds you through beautiful Illinois prairie on a mostly grass lined single track. While this is route may be less "technical" than it's 10K cousin, it's view is every bit as beautiful, and an excellent challenge for those looking to dabble in trail running.
The Dayton Bluffs Preserve Trail 5k/10K Run and Walk will depart from the Hanks Farm Restaurant parking lot, located just South of Dayton Bluffs, at 9 a.m. The races will be limited to 150 runners, so act fast and reserve your spot today.
For more information on the Dayton Bluffs Preserve Trail 5k/10K Run and Walk, visit: www.runsignup.com/Race/IL/Ottawa/DaytonBluffsPreserveTrail5kRunWalk?fbclid=IwAR1pJR-L2c0Fv3_g_f0kSBhxuL9ezIJJB-nr5jCopr-xyE7MfxJGAOBBwG4
Dayton Bluffs Preserve
2997 IL-71 Marseilles, IL 61341
(Just north of Ottawa, off I-80)
815-434-2737