Bored of the same old, same old 4th of July celebrations? Change it up and celebrate “Christmas in July” this year with a night race or times ultra run. The Christmas in July races are being held in Lisle, IL at the Lisle Community Park on July 17-18 this year. I tried a timed ultra run last year. Always game for a challenge, I let Adrian convince me to run a 6 hour run that started at 12 AM and ran until 6 AM. You may know that I am NOT a night person and I said that I would NEVER run an ultra. Well, never say never. I got my arm twisted and then I enlisted Kristin to be my partner in crime.
The Christmas in July 6, 12 and 24 hour races run on a .97 loop near the Lisle High School. It is actually a pretty fab loop. Seriously. I thought I might go insane, but I really enjoyed the laid back ultra vibe and friendly people. You can read all of the gory details HERE.
Here are the details:
- USATF Certified course for 5 races: 5K, 10K, 6 hour, 12 hour and 24 hour races
- Night time races: 5K (Friday 7/17 8:00 PM), 10K (Saturday 7/18 7:30 PM). Timed ultras start Friday evening.
- 2 FREE kid’s fun runs (before 5K/10K) – All kids get a bib, t-shirt, medal (SO COOL!)
- NEW – Strollers permitted for 5K/10K Races (New in 2015)
- Races are chipped timed and all runners get medals. Winners of all races get an award and free entry to next year’s race.
- Unique awards. Nutcrackers awarded to top 3 age group category winners for 5K/10K. Awards for timed ultra winner, top three M/F in each distance and top three M/F Masters finishers in each run.
- All races get technical t-shirts and bonus swag (one set for 5K/10K and one for ultras)
- Ultra runners who get 100 or more miles in their event will earn a custom CiJ belt buckle
- Ultra aid station is fully stocked with items for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans; 5K/10K Aid Station will have water, Gatorade and snacks
- Holiday tunes, holiday decorations and costume contests
- “1 mile” loop for ultra events will be lined with lit luminaries
- NEW – Loyalty Program – Earn loyalty miles each year and get awarded for coming back.
- NEW – supports local ultra runner Alfredo Pedro’s ALS fundraiser.
I’m giving away a free entry in the 5K or 10K or $75 toward entry in one of the 6-, 12- or 24-hour ultra races. Enter for your chance to win via the Rafflecopter below! The winner will get to choose a free entry to the 5K or 10K, or $75 toward registration for a timed ultra run – any distance. Giveaway ends 6/28.
Also, You can save 10% on any distance with code ERICAPROMO10. Online race registration is open through July 4th. You can keep up with Runners4Wellness on Twitter and the CiJ Facebook page for updates.
Want to see what other people are trying on Tuesday? Check out the Tried It Tuesday link up at Lake Shore Runner!
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways!
Please note: I was not compensated for this post. The giveaway is provided by Runners4Wellness. I also have the opportunity to participate again at no cost (up to$75) All opinions are my own.