The First Midwest Bank Half Marathon & 10K is quickly approaching and with the forecast looking promising, we are hoping to see everyone cheering on the 1,700+ runners this Sunday.
The First Midwest Half Marathon is a Chicago Area Runners Association preferred race, and that has a great deal to do with the beauty and conditions of the course. The race weaves through gorgeous forest paths and flat pavement leading the runners through the cities of Palos Heights, Palos Park and parts of the Cook County Forest Preserve District.
Because of the vast forest preserves that runners enjoy as they run the 13.1 miles or 10K, there are viewing spots along the course that offer fantastic backgrounds for photos. Here are our top 5 places to cheer on your runner (from west to east):
The Turnaround (Half Marathon)
Enter from Archer Avenue
You will have a clear view of runners heading towards the turnaround. This is a great point to watch runners hit the turnaround at Sagawau Canyon before heading the 6.55 miles back west.
Wood View Lane (Half Marathon)
Enter from the south via Bell Road
This is one of the best spots to see your runner two different times. You will see them approach from the east (this will about six mile point), and you will then see them heading back west (about mile seven) after the turnaround. With water stations near this spot, many runners slow down making this a great opportunity for pictures.
Willow Springs Road / 104th Avenue (Half Marathon) 
Enter from McCarthy Road
This is one of the more popular spots at about the four mile / nine mile mark of the course. This is great spot to cheer on the runners after the LaGrange Hill on the way out and to give them more support as they tackle the LaGrange Hill on the way back. There is some parking available at Teasons Woods.
Kean Avenue (Half Marathon & 10K)
Enter from 119th Street
Another great spot at the two mile / 11 mile mark (half) is at the base of the LaGrange Bridge. This is an easy access spot to see runners coming from both directions. This is the best on-course spot for the 10K as this is the two and four mile mark in their race.
Start/Finish Line (Half Marathon & 10K)
Park around Palos Heights and make your way to the finish line near the City of Palos Heights Administration Center at 7607 W. College Drive, Palos Heights
The area around the Start/Finish line is prime viewing territory. While waiting for your runner, be sure to check out the booths of local sponsors and non-profit groups. This is also where you will meet up with your runner after the race. Although this area can get congested, it is the most popular spot to witness all the action
Tips To See Your Runner And For Your Runner To See You!
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Plan where you will be along the course
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Know what your runner is wearing (and hopefully it’s a bright color!)
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Signs! Signs! Signs! The folks from the Frankfort New Lenox Running Club (seen above) always have great signs! If you need inspiration, check out these fantastic signs from Runnersworld.com
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Bring the noise! Bring cowbells and other noisemakers to cheer for all the runners
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Balloons will catch everyone (including your runner’s) attention
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Costumes: May we suggest Star Wars since the date is May the Fourth (be with you!)
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