He may’ve eluded capture yet again, but the sightings? Oh, they were there – we’ve got the proof.
And when the Bigfoot Trail Run 5K returns to the woods and wilderness of Red Oak in North Aurora at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, race enthusiasts of all levels will get another crack at cornering ol’ sasquatch himself.
Voted 2023 Most Outstanding Special Event in its inaugural year by the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association, the Bigfoot Trail Run is headquartered at The Wilds at Red Oak, 1400 N. River Road in North Aurora. Register online for $35, or $40 onsite the morning of the race. Packet pick-up will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 27 at Red Oak Nature Center, 930 N. River Road in North Aurora (about a quarter mile south of The Wilds).
Given Bigfoot’s inaugural run in 2023, race officials leaned on a post-event survey to collect feedback and optimize the experience at future events. According to Mark Macek, athletic program supervisor at the Vaughan Athletic Center and Bigfoot race coordinator, the most common request was to add another water station. (Done!)
“We received a lot of positive feedback, most notably on organization and onsite instruction which was great because you’re never quite sure with a first-time event,” Macek said. “People also really enjoyed the unique course, and the mix of terrain and trails.”
The 3.1-mile layout covers several terrains, including asphalt trails, mulched paths, and even some stairs through various elevation changes. The course presents more of a cross-country or “off-roading” experience, as runners get a firsthand look of what lies beyond Red Oak’s paved paths, making for an even more scenic route along hidden trails that people may not otherwise know exist.
All runners will receive chip-timed results, along with a t-shirt and race medal, which are guaranteed if registered by noon on September 18. (The t-shirts are forest green this year!)
Macek said subtle changes were made to the course, the biggest being the elimination of two “crossover paths.” He also noted that despite its unique layout, the course is conducive to all levels of participants.
“We had a lot of people who joined Bigfoot as their first 5K experience, and we had someone finish in just over 18 minutes,” Macek says. “The course can be both competitive and fun, depending on your desire.”
As for those sasquatch sightings?
“We had an actual costumed Bigfoot and six silhouettes that were hidden throughout the course,” Macek said. “We made just a quick announcement to be on the lookout, and runners were coming back and telling us how many they saw without us making a big deal of it.
“It was really fun and Bigfoot has definitely been invited back again this year. We’ll see if – or where – he shows up.”
Participants and their spectators are encouraged to stick around after the race for light snacks and yard games.
For more information or to register for the Bigfoot Trail Run 5k, visit https://www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/event/bigfoot-trail-run-5k/.
