Hoffman fitness fest draws top runners, skaters and first-timers

Some of the nation's top in-line skaters, along with hundreds of other athletes, will be in Hoffman Estates this weekend for the sixth annual Alexian Brothers Fitness For America Sports Festival.

The two-day event draws elite athletes from across the country for the second largest in-line skating marathon in the U.S., as well as running and skating races for everyone from longtime competitors to weekend warriors and first timers. There also are free events for kids.

The competition starts Saturday, July 19, with a sunset half marathon that is part of the Chicago Half Marathon Series. The race, which features a $10,000 purse, takes place over a USA Track & Field certified course that starts at the front drive of the former AT&T complex, 2046 Lakewood Blvd., winds through north Hoffman Estates and the Paul Douglas Forest Preserve, before returning to a finish line near the starting point.

The half marathon begins at 5:30 p.m., as does a 10K race. A 5K run/walk begins at 6 p.m., with a kids' 200-meter dash at 6:30 p.m.

All the races benefit the Children's Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County, which works to reduce trauma and provide support to children and families who are victims of violence.

The focus switches on Sunday from running to skating, as the Chicago Inline Marathon highlights a series of competitions expected to attract many of the best long-distance skaters from across the country.

Racers in the 26.2-mile marathon will skate three circuits around an 8.7-mile course that starts at 2046 Lakewood Blvd.

For skaters who want a shorter route, there will be half-marathon and 10K events, too.

To register for an event, visit www.allcommunityevents.com.

If you're not an athlete, you can still take part in the festival. The event, which promotes fitness, health, community and the environment, still is seeking volunteers to help with registration, water stations, course marshaling, setup and take down. Email FFASF staff at info@allcommunityevents.com to volunteer. All volunteers will receive a free event T-shirt.

For information on the festival, visit www.hoffmanestates.org, or contact Director of Tourism Linda Scheck at (847) 781-2664 or linda.scheck@hoffmanestates.org.