Update Regarding COVID-19
March 15th -
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that the 2020 Fox Valley RunJunkees 5K/8K Challenge will not take place next month as planned. We are adhering to the CDC’s recommendation that “for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States”.
All of us at the Fox Valley RunJunkees 5K/8K Challenge hoped that we could safely host the event on April 11. However, it has become clear that doing so could jeopardize the health and safety of our participants, volunteers, and community as a whole.
Our team is now working with local authorities, Oswego township and the race sponsors to identify the best way to move forward.We appreciate your patience and will share our intended next steps within the next 72 hours.
At this time, we are unable to respond to individual emails or inquiries. We understand the many questions that our participants will have and we will do our best to answer those by Wednesday.
We are all in this together. Please be safe and join us in taking the necessary steps to minimize the spread of this virus.
March 15th -
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that the 2020 Fox Valley RunJunkees 5K/8K Challenge will not take place next month as planned. We are adhering to the CDC’s recommendation that “for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States”.
All of us at the Fox Valley RunJunkees 5K/8K Challenge hoped that we could safely host the event on April 11. However, it has become clear that doing so could jeopardize the health and safety of our participants, volunteers, and community as a whole.
Our team is now working with local authorities, Oswego township and the race sponsors to identify the best way to move forward.We appreciate your patience and will share our intended next steps within the next 72 hours.
At this time, we are unable to respond to individual emails or inquiries. We understand the many questions that our participants will have and we will do our best to answer those by Wednesday.
We are all in this together. Please be safe and join us in taking the necessary steps to minimize the spread of this virus.
EVENT INFORMATION
Date: Saturday April 11, 2020 Time: Race Starts at 9:00am Location: Prairie Point Community Park 4120 Plainfield Rd., Oswego, IL 60543 |
The motto for this race is #BeatYesterday. Our goal is to provide a race that will allow you to challenge yourself to improve on where you are today. We offer a fast, flat course where you will find support and encouragement in order to help you achieve your desired outcome. Whether it is a new PR or your first 5K/8K, or you are coming off injury and want to get better, no matter what your situation is, if your desire is to #BeatYesterday, this is the race for you.
If you ran the race in 2019, you will receive a challenge to beat your time from that race where you can try and live up to the motto of BeatYesterday. |
Registration Options
General Race Registration (5K and 8K) Non-Challenge Option Challenge Option (5K and 8K) You will be asked for a Goal Time for the race. You will then be matched with a Challenge Partner who is shooting for a similar goal. You will be notified who your Challenge Partner is and provided their first name and bib number. There will be a Challenge Meet and Greet Area where you can connect with your partner. At this point you have a couple of options. Choose to partner up and help each other by supporting each other and pacing each other or you can choose to have a friendly competition and push each other by racing each other. The choice is completely up to you and your Challenge Partner. Regardless of how you approach it, you will have made a new friend and hopefully, Beat Yesterday together. Virtual Option Maybe you are unable to join us at the race at Prairie Point Park but still want to achieve your goals of running a 5K/8K? Choosing this option allows you to run the race virtually from anywhere you are and still get some of the race SWAG. A finisher medal will be shipped to you. A place for you to snap a post run selfie to share with the race community will be provided as well. |
Race Pricing
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION (BEFORE DEC 31) 8K Regular Option : $35 8K Challenge Option : $30 5K Regular Option : $30 5K Challenge Option : $25 Virtual Option : $20 REGISTRATION (AFTER DEC 31) 8K Regular Option : $45 8K Challenge Option : $40 5K Regular Option : $40 5K Challenge Option : $35 Virtual Option : $25 |
NOTE: You will only be matched with another runner if you choose the Challenge option
Event Calendar
10/04/2019 : Registration Opens 04/01/2020: Last Day to Register and guarantee a Race Shirt 04/10/2020: Online Registration Closes Race Day 07:30 am - 08:45 am : Packet Pickup *** There is NO Race Day Registration *** 09:00 am - Race Starts 11:00 am - Race Ends This race has a 2-hour cutoff |
Packet Pickup
04/09/2020: 04:00 pm - 8:00 pm Salomon Factory Outlet
1650 Premium Outlet Blvd #548, Aurora, IL 60502 |
COURSE
Course Description
The 5K course starts on the south end of Prairie Point Elementary School parking lot. The path is all blacktop. The course will follow the path around the park in a clockwise direction. There is a 0.75 mile out and back extension before the remainder of the loop around the park is completed. You will find that the course is flat and add the cool April weather conditions and we have a great event for the goal of #BeatYesterday.
The course is an open path that we will need to share with the public so please be aware of cyclist, walkers, etc.
The 8K Path will follow the same direction as the 5K path, including the out and back segment but will continue with one more loop around the park before crossing the finish line. The course is extremely well marks and will have volunteers and course marshals at every important area directing runners to the right location.
The 5K course starts on the south end of Prairie Point Elementary School parking lot. The path is all blacktop. The course will follow the path around the park in a clockwise direction. There is a 0.75 mile out and back extension before the remainder of the loop around the park is completed. You will find that the course is flat and add the cool April weather conditions and we have a great event for the goal of #BeatYesterday.
The course is an open path that we will need to share with the public so please be aware of cyclist, walkers, etc.
The 8K Path will follow the same direction as the 5K path, including the out and back segment but will continue with one more loop around the park before crossing the finish line. The course is extremely well marks and will have volunteers and course marshals at every important area directing runners to the right location.
COURSE MAPS
Directions
From I-88 (North): Coming from either direction on I-88, exit on Rte 31 and head South. Take Rte 31 to Rte 34 (Washington St) and Turn East (left) . Follow Washington St just past Rte 71, the park will be on the right hand side. From East: Take Rte 34 West to Rte 71. Follow Rte 71 to Washington St. Turn South (Left) on Washington St, park will be on the right hand side. From West Take Rte 34 East to Downtown Oswego. Rte 34 becomes Washington St in Oswego. Follow Washington St just past Rte 71, the park will be on the right hand side. |
Parking
Please use the parking spaces at the Prairie Point Elementary School with the entrance on Grove Road on the South end of the park. |
CHARITY

Why Do We Exist?
Founded in 2003, Safe Families for Children surrounds families in crisis with caring, compassionate community. We are a volunteer-driven nonprofit that provides hope and support to families in our local communities.
Our vision is to create a world where children are safe and families transformed through radically compassionate communities. Our mission is to host vulnerable children and create extended family–like supports for desperate families through a community of devoted volunteers who are motivated by compassion to keep children safe and families intact.
What We Do
Safe Families for Children is a movement fueled by compassion to keep children safe and families intact. Through Host Families, Family Friends, and Family Coaches, we temporarily host children and provide a network of support to families in crisis while they get back on their feet.
We open our hearts, open our arms, and open our homes.
For more information about Safe Families for Children, visit our website at https://safe-families.org/
Founded in 2003, Safe Families for Children surrounds families in crisis with caring, compassionate community. We are a volunteer-driven nonprofit that provides hope and support to families in our local communities.
Our vision is to create a world where children are safe and families transformed through radically compassionate communities. Our mission is to host vulnerable children and create extended family–like supports for desperate families through a community of devoted volunteers who are motivated by compassion to keep children safe and families intact.
What We Do
Safe Families for Children is a movement fueled by compassion to keep children safe and families intact. Through Host Families, Family Friends, and Family Coaches, we temporarily host children and provide a network of support to families in crisis while they get back on their feet.
We open our hearts, open our arms, and open our homes.
For more information about Safe Families for Children, visit our website at https://safe-families.org/
PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
FAQ
What if I can't come to the race?
There are no refunds for the race but we do provide the option for you to transfer your race to another runner.
What if the weather is bad?
This is April in the Midwest. There is a possibility it will be warm and sunny or it could snow. The race will be held regardless of weather with the exception of lightning, which will delay the start and will be a race day decision.
Can someone pickup my packet for me?
Yes. Please make sure that you provide your friend with the registration confirmation for them to pick up your packet for you.
Is the race chip timed?
Yes. Timing will be provided by Race Time and a link to results will be provided after the race.
Is there race day packet pickup?
Yes. You can pick up your packet and bib the morning of the race starting at 7:30am
Are Headphones, Strollers or Pets allowed?
As it is a public course, we do not encourage or suggest headphone be worn. Strollers are welcome and we highly suggest that walkers and strollers line up at the back. Pets must follow the rules set forth by the Fox Valley Park District and are welcome as long as there are leashed.
There are no refunds for the race but we do provide the option for you to transfer your race to another runner.
What if the weather is bad?
This is April in the Midwest. There is a possibility it will be warm and sunny or it could snow. The race will be held regardless of weather with the exception of lightning, which will delay the start and will be a race day decision.
Can someone pickup my packet for me?
Yes. Please make sure that you provide your friend with the registration confirmation for them to pick up your packet for you.
Is the race chip timed?
Yes. Timing will be provided by Race Time and a link to results will be provided after the race.
Is there race day packet pickup?
Yes. You can pick up your packet and bib the morning of the race starting at 7:30am
Are Headphones, Strollers or Pets allowed?
As it is a public course, we do not encourage or suggest headphone be worn. Strollers are welcome and we highly suggest that walkers and strollers line up at the back. Pets must follow the rules set forth by the Fox Valley Park District and are welcome as long as there are leashed.