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Bike it or watch it: Two ways to learn Hidden Gem race route

Organizers of the inaugural Hidden Gem Half Marathon in Flossmoor have announced “Bike the Gem,” a unique event on Saturday, July 13, to highlight the upcoming 13.1-mile course through the village. They are also producing a series of short videos featuring the sights to be seen along the route.
 

Organizers of the inaugural Hidden Gem Half Marathon in Flossmoor have announced “Bike the Gem,” a unique event on Saturday, July 13, to highlight the upcoming 13.1-mile course through the village.
 
In addition, a “Drink the Gem” event will offer a first taste of a special brew courtesy of Flossmoor Station Brewery. 
 
Both events tie into the Hidden Gem Half Marathon to be run through the streets and neighborhoods of Flossmoor on Saturday, Sept. 7. The race will be followed by Flossmoor Fest, the village’s annual fall festival.
 
“Bike the Gem is a way to get the various boroughs of Flossmoor excited, a chance for runners to preview this dynamic and unique course. And of course, there is beer at the end,” said event organizer Sam Cutrara.
 
Bike the Gem will be a leisurely-paced bike ride open to cyclists of all skill levels. Flossmoor Police will provide an escort and traffic control, according to Cutrara.
 
The ride will begin at 10 a.m. in front of Infant Jesus of Prague church, Leavitt Avenue and Flossmoor Road, in Flossmoor. It is expected to take cyclists about 75 minutes to complete.
 
There is no cost to ride the course and no advance registration. Walk-ups are welcome. There is a small fee for the beer and an optional taco bar lunch that will be served at noon at Flossmoor Station for riders and non-riders. 
 
Organizers are also producing a video series that features the key characteristics of each mile along the route. A video devoted to Mile 1 was released June 16 and focused on the H-F Park District.
 
Hidden Gem organizers have been busy behind the scenes preparing for the epic race day and are ready to share their excitement with fellow citizens as a precursor to what lies ahead on the first Saturday in September. 

“We have been busy getting permits, securing road closure permissions, and coordinating with numerous government entities to pull together this race, which steps off in less than nine weeks.
We thought it was time to reward our volunteers and make residents aware of the race course. And what better way to accomplish that than a nice bike ride through this amazing village?” said Co-Chair Betsy Cutrara.

The course has been approved by Chicagoland Area Racers Association and has been certified at a perfect 13.1 miles by United States Track and Field Association.

For more information on The Hidden Gem Half Marathon or to volunteer, register to run, or become a sponsor, visit HiddenGemHalf.com.

The Hidden Gem Half Marathon is presented by UChicago Medicine.

 

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