Des Plaines River Trail Races

desplainesrivertrailraces.com

Saturday May 22nd 2010 50 miles, marathon, 1/2 marathon, relays

I just signed up for the marathon at this event. It will be my first marathon in 10 years. I know it'll be a PW time for me and I have 10 hours to finish thanks to the 50 miler. Maybe I'll pitch a tent at the far turnaround and take a nap like a friend once did during a 100 mile race.

Two of the RDs for this event are experienced ultra runners having completed 100 mile races, Marathon des Sables and even Badwater between them. They have also crewed at Badwater.

Ride George Ride

Former Marine George Hood of Aurora IL is attempting to break the world record for time on a stationary bike. The current world record is 192 hours. The record before that off 177 hours and 45 minutes was set by George in 2008. George is aiming for 300 hours.

Funds raised will benefit United Way and Injured Marines.

The ride is taking place at Aurora Marketplace in Aurora IL on the Napervile border at 75th Street and Rt 59 in the former Steinmart store next to Sports Authority. If in the area stop in a and visit George. You can even jump on a bike and ride with him (waiver signing required).

The ride is going from April 11 to April 24th

I visited today and watched for a little while and spoke to some of his crew. He had been riding for over 88 hours at that time. And yes the rules allow breaks each hour (didn't ask what they are) but he has to maintain 12 mph while riding.

Run For Hope

On April 19th Lisa Smith Batchen is setting out on a fundraising project to run 50 miles in 50 states over 62 days http://www.runhope.com/ Monies raised will be donated to orphan group at home and aboard (see under project link).

Although I've not yet meet Lisa I've chatted with her via email and Facebook plus I've seen her at the Badwater race a few times (including being in the next door hotel room in Lone Pine 2008). I can't wait to meet her on May 23rd when she comes to Chicago for the Illinois run. She is open to folks running with her and volunteering in other ways. The website has full details including varies links to sign up for volunteering/running. I'll have to volunteer as I'll be running a marathon day before.

Other city sites that might be off interest to my friends near them or local to Chicago (check web to confirm)

April 19 Trenton NJ (that is the first event - I don't know anyone there)

April 25 Freeport ME

May 21 (Fri) Des Moines IA (driving distance from Chicago)

May 23 (Sun) Chicago IL

May 24 (Mon) South Bend IN (almost a burb of Chicago)

May 26 (Wed) Grand Rapids MI (close enough)

May 28 (Fri) Green Bay WI

June 8 Phoenix (close to you Steve)

Jun 10 LA

June 19 Jackson Hole WY (Last day and one of my favourite places)