The Ultimate Race Spectator’s field Guide
The Countdown to the Legendary Quarryman 5k & 10-Mile is on, and the fun isn’t just for runners!
Running the race is fun but have you tried watching one? It’s our favorite part.
The Legendary Quarryman 5k and 10-mile challenge are coming up this Saturday, May 13th and we’re sharing a few tips to enjoy the race and support your fellow runners. If you can’t make it out early Saturday morning, we still think you should come out to Lemont Downtown for an afternoon full of events, including an after-party at Pollyanna to celebrate the official opening of their new Deck, and Axe Throwing with The Forge at Main Street Park.
Get Familiar with The Race
The 5k Course and 10-Mile Course weave in and out of downtown Lemont. You can download the race map at the Quarryman official website. Before the morning of the event, identify a few stops along the way where you’ll be waiting for your runner in keeping with their average running pace. If you miss them or can’t sync up, you can also receive text notifications along the route by texting ‘QMANRACE’ to 331-200-5285.
Get familiar with Race Day Headquarters located in the Village of Lemont’s Parking lot at 418 Main Street. This is where you’ll find restrooms, lost and found, and additional first aid. It’s an excellent touchpoint to have in case any of your group members get separated.
After the race, all runners can grab a free beer from Pollyanna Brewery with their race bib (good on race day only!)
What to Bring
Your cheer supplies! Spend an evening with your family and friends making celebratory posters and breaking out the cowbells for your runner and anyone else who needs a boost of inspiration along the route.
Our favorite taglines include:
“You can do hard things.” - Glennon Doyle
“High Energy High-Fives Here!”
“Hustle in the Hills!”
“Run! [Insert Your Name Here] Run!”
Be sure to bring extra water, pre-cut snacks like sliced oranges or bananas, comfy walking shoes, and an extra face mask.
Note: If you’re feeling sick or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please stay home.
Where to Park & Road Closures
Parking is available at the Metra Parking Lot in downtown Lemont and at Lemont High School.
Make note that there will be detours and street closings during the event. Starting at 6:00 AM the following closures will take place:
Main St. from Julia to Lockport St. (by the VFW) west of the State St. Bridge from 6 - 9 AM
Main Street from Julia to Stephen will be closed from 6 - 10:30 AM
Lemont St. will be closed from Main Street south to Cass until 9 AM
Stephen St. will be closed from Illinois to the train tracks from 7:20 AM – 8:30 AM
The crossing of Main Street at Holmes will be restricted or closed during the race
The Talcott Street Parking lot will be closed from 4 AM-11:30 AM
Stephen St. will remain open after the race starts and the streets north of the R.R. tracks will remain open and accessible. The Lemont Police Department and other officials will divert traffic around the closures. Streets should be fully re-opened by 11:00 AM or earlier!
What To Wear
Dress in layers. All races start with a chilly morning no matter the forecast (we think it’s the nerves!)
Check your local weather app the night before and the day of to get a feel for the forecast. When in doubt, comfy shoes that you can easily move in, easy t’s, and hoodies, and extra layers that you can pack into a bag or tie around your waist.
If you want to make sure you can be picked out of a crowd, we recommend bright colors. Even costumes like tutus and wigs are welcome—anything goes on race day!
Where to Pause & Celebrate
Join us at Pollyanna Brewing Co. (431 Talcott Avenue) on Saturday at Party-on Pollyanna After Party. Runners can enjoy a complimentary beer with their bib, but all are welcome to enjoy beer and food!
Good luck to all runners and spectators this weekend! Thank you to all of the volunteers that make this day possible. We’ll be cheering for you!
