This year, the Homewood-Flossmoor community hosted its fifth annual Hidden Gem half-marathon on Sept. 7.

This race is truly a big deal. So much so that runners from as far as Australia will come to Flossmoor just to run the race because of the great energy and pride that the Flossmoor community showcases. Many students and staff from H-F ran in it as well as Christina Clark, Tim Tholl, Chelsea Jones, and Julie Gaham. This year, organizers stated that there were over 250 volunteers and with over 1,000 runner entries. 

The mayor of Flossmoor, Michelle Nelson, agreed on this fact, stating “It is so much fun to see all of the residents, organizations, and visitors all out cheering for the runners all along the race route.”

It is also good because it sheds an optimistic light on the South Suburban area.

One of the primary community organizers of the Gem, Maggie Bachus shared, “We were really looking for something to bring the community together and we realized people who love to run are really passionate people. We wanted to bring other people from around the United States and the Chicagoland area to Flossmoor to figure out that this is a gem of a community.” 

A half-marathon is about 13.2 miles. The Hidden Gem started around seven in the morning around Parker Junior High and Infant Jesus of Prague School and it ended around 11 o’clock with the finish line in the center of Flossmoor near the library and Flossmoor Station restaurant. 

Even H-F gets involved a lot with the race, as the running course has the schools’ paths incorporated. Around the course of the school, the student government cheered people on, the cheerleaders, the dance team and don’t forget the band to top it off!

Once finishing the race, a few local vendors such as the new business Rainbow Cone, Buona, and The Flossmoor Brewing Company. Not to mention a few other restaurants on Sterling Ave. were all in view, supplying sweet treats to have after a race for runners and the rest of the community. 

It’s understandable that people might be afraid to try a half-marathon because it sounds scary but having a community like Flossmoor that gives out so much support to run through helps.

Boy’s Cross Country coach, Brian O’Donell shared, “I think it’s a great race. A half-marathon is a great distance that’s accessible to anyone, being much more manageable. If you commit to running for three to six months, most people do well with transitioning to a race such as this.”

So anyone can take part in the half-marathon, runner or not.