Inspired by the new outdoor track-and-field facilities on campus, Oak Park and River Forest High School cross-country coaches Chris Baldwin (boys) and Ashley Raymond (girls) decided to create a community-involvement event that will also serve as a kickoff to the upcoming season.
The Night of Miles takes place on Aug. 16, starting at 5 p.m with a 400-meter race for first through fourth grades. Next is a mile run for fifth- through eighth-graders, followed by a “community miles” run that is open to the general public. Finally, there will be two-mile time trials for high-schoolers.
Baldwin told Wednesday Journal that the boys have run a time trial at the start of each season since he became head coach, and the new facilities presented an opportunity to get the community involved.
“We’ve always had alumni come out, pace some of the heats, and cheer on their former teammates,” Baldwin said. “It’s always been an awesome environment for our team and a great way to start the season. We want it to be a special event for our programs and the whole community.”
Baldwin added that running has become popular in both the Oak Park and River Forest communities, thanks to entities and events such as the Frank Lloyd Wright races, the Good Life Race, the Oak Park Runners Club, and the Fleet Feet store located in Downtown Oak Park.
Moreover, both Baldwin and Raymond make it a point to get youth involved with cross-country as early as possible.
“Both the boys and girls teams offer running camps for sixth- through 12th-graders and have made some great connections with the younger runners in the community,” Baldwin said.
Although meets are held on grass, Baldwin believes the new track can help the Huskies’ cross-country programs this fall.
“It’s a great addition to our program,” he said. “It provides a meeting space and is an excellent training facility. We look forward to utilizing it this upcoming season.”
The participation cost is $5 for first- through eighth-graders, and $10 for community miles. All participants receive a T-shirt.
To register, visit oprfhs.revtrak.net/athletics/Athletics-Cross-Country/boys-xc. For more information, contact Baldwin at cbaldwin@oprfhs.org or Raymond at araymond@oprfhs.org.
