Great Western Freedom 4

The Education Foundation will host it's second annual competitive road race, the Great Western Freedom 4, on July 4, 2008. Proceeds from the race benefit the students of District 303.

The 4-mile course is registered with CARA and certified by the USATF. The run will begin at the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles with a majority of the course continuing on to the scenic Great Western Trail.

Prime Time Timing will professionaly time the event using state of the art "chip" technology. Race results will be posted immediately after the race and will be available on line on our website.

The Freedom 4 is also supported by the Fox River Trail Runners club, who have added this run to their 2008 race circuit.

Information about the 2008 Race

Please click here to register for the 2008 Freedom 4 race (discounts offered to members of CARA and the Fox River Trail Runners club).

The event will start at 8:00a.m. with race day registration and packet pick-up available from 6:30a.m. to 7:45a.m. The entry fee for the race is $20 for pre-registration and $25 the day of the race. Members of CARA and the Fox River Trail Runners will receive an additional $2 discount when you pre-register (discount not available race day).

T-Shirt and Registration Packet Pick Up
You may pick up your T-shirt and registration packet on Race Day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. at the Registration Table. T-shirts will be available for the first 350 runners.

Official scoring with AMB I-T active chip
The AMB I-T active chip system will be used for timing this race and every runner must wear the chip. Every participant's net time will be recorded with the aid of the chip that is attached to the runner's shoe with a velco strap. Chips and straps will be distributed on race day and must be turned in just past the finish line. If you do not start the race or drop out, we ask you to return the chips to the Registration Table.

Parking
On site parking is available and Park Rangers will be directing parking.

Race Services
There will be Emergency Medical Technicians and ambulance available. Portable restrooms will also be available near the starting line.

Refreshments
There will be plenty of coffee, water, sport drinks, fruit and bagels and other refreshments for participants before and after the race. Water will be available at the turnaround and mid-way points on the race course. Refreshments will also be available to spectators for a small fee.

The Course
The USATF certified course is flat and mainly shaded. The race starts at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve near the Big Red Barn, off of the main access road, and continues south onto the Great Western Trail which winds to the west. The turnaround is just before the second trail crossing on Dean Street, before North Avenue. Race officials will be present at the turnaround. The race finish is near the Big Red Barn in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve.

Safety Concerns
For safety reasons, baby joggers, strollers, bikes, skates, or pets are not allowed in the race.

Awards
An award ceremony will be held immediately after the race concludes. Prizes in the form of product will be awarded to the top five overall male and female finishers in the following age groups: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & over.

Directions to Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve
The race starts at the Red Barn in the Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve which is accessible from I-88 or I-90. From I88, exit Orchard road north. At the Randall Road intersection, take Randall Road north to Dean Street in St Charles. Go west (left) on Dean Street ¼ mile to the park entrance. From I-90, take Randall Road south to Dean Street. Go west (right) on Dean Street ¼ mile to the park entrance.