Tuesday Deadline to Sign Up for PrairieFest Races

If you’re hoping to take part in the 5K Run and One-Mile Dog Jog at this year’s PrairieFest, you have just more than a week to sign up.

The deadline to put your name in for the two races is Tuesday, June 12. Both will take place on Sunday, June 17, as part of this year’s PrairieFest. The races begin on Grove Road at Lakeview Drive, and run through the Deer Path Creek and Lakeview neighborhoods.

And the neighbors in those subdivisions are good at cheering on runners, according to Kristie Blocker Vest, special events supervisor with the Oswegoland Park District. They volunteer to provide water at the halfway points of the races and a hose for runners at the finish, she said.

Signing up for the 5K will cost $20 per runner, and the one-mile $10 per runner. But that’s only if you register before the June 12 deadline – signing up for the 5K on the day of the race will run you $30, and for the one-mile will cost $15. Plus, if you register before the deadline, you’ll get a green moisture wick race shirt.

PrairieFest organizers are also seeking volunteers, both for the races and for other parts of the festival. Vest said they’re seeking students who want to help park cars and keep the grounds clean; adults who would like to welcome people to the fest, drive shuttles, pour beer or help out at the parade; and families and groups to help out at the races. Specifically, she said, they’re looking for people willing to be course marshals.

If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Cori Veverka, the PrairieFest volunteer coordinator, at 630-554-4433. All volunteers get a free t-shirt.

PrairieFest, now in its 24th year, runs from June 14 to June 17 at PrairieFest Park, 91 Plank Road in Oswego, with events running all over town at the same time. The event is free, and is organized by the Oswegoland Park District with the help of several sponsors and volunteers. For more information, go here.