The Kane County Cougars organization will host the 4th annual Ozzie's Home Run and Walk 5K on Saturday, May 30 at 8 a.m. at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. Online registration is open for the event by clicking HERE. Click HERE to download our race brochure!
As one of the most unique 5K events in Chicagoland that is open to both competitive runners and recreational walkers, Ozzie's Home Run and Walk 5K will finish at home plate on the field at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. Participants will be seen on the ballpark's new videoboard through a live-feed camera and can receive a high-five from Ozzie T. Cougar on the final stretch of the race inside the ballpark. Families with children are encouraged to participate as strollers are permitted and there is a special discounted rate for participants between 5 and 18 years old.
COURSE MAP: Participants can click HERE to view a course map. The start line will be located at Gate 1 outside the ballpark, conveniently located near the restrooms as well as packet pick-up and raceday registration tables. The out-and-back course will utilize a nearby path with multiple aid stations and will return to the ballpark inside Gate 1, with the finish line located right at home plate on the field!
PACKET PICK-UP: Packet pick-up will take place on Friday, May 29 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. inside the Cougars' administrative office, located at 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, IL 60134. Raceday packet pick-up will take place at Gate 1 beginning at 6:45 a.m. on race morning.
RECOGNITION NIGHT: All participants will receive a ticket voucher valid for the Friday, June 5 game at 6:30 p.m. At approximately 5:50 p.m. that evening, participants and their families can participate in a pre-game parade and the overall male and female winner will each throw a ceremonial first pitch. The evening's fun includes a post-game FIREWORKS show!
The first 500 registrants will receive a commemorative Cougars/Ozzie race drawstring bag. Other surprises on race day include door prizes and raffles for ceremonial first pitches, unique ballpark experiences and more. The top three male and female finishers in 14 age division categories will win a customized race medal with the Ozzie's Home Run and Walk logo, courtesy of Image Awards, Engraving & Creative Keepsakes, Inc. of Geneva. Following the race, participants can enjoy a variety of refreshments including a complimentary brat and beer for participants 21 and older. The event will feature chip timing this year.
Advance registration prior to May 28 is $28 for adults and $15 for those age 5 through 18. Beginning on May 28 through race day on May 30, registration will be $33 for adults and $20 for those age 5 through 18. A portion of race proceeds will be donated to Ozzie's Outreach Foundation, the Cougars' charitable arm that donates to a wide variety of causes throughout Chicagoland including the Cougars' own Ozzie's Scholars reading scholarship program.
