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Clarendon Hills may host Suburbanathalon race
Updated: April 29, 2013 10:03AM
CLARENDON HILLS — Clarendon Hills may play host in the fall to a different kind of race.
Jason Bishop, a personal trainer who has several clients who live in the village, is working with village staff in hopes of bringing a Suburbanathalon race to Clarendon Hills Sept. 21.
A Suburbanathalon is a take on Urbanathalon races, 9.5- to 11-mile competitions that incorporate city landmarks and urban obstacle courses set on the streets of some major cities.
Bishop’s plan is for Clarendon Hills to host a 3.25-mile race that includes nine obstacles. Those obstacles would be placed on village streets and parks. Most of the obstacles would be at Prospect Park, he said.
“This is a new trend in outdoor fitness,” Bishop said. “There have been some Urbanathalon races, but this would be the first Suburbanathalon.”
Bishop said the race would benefit the Infant Welfare Society of Clarendon Hills and Adventist Hinsdale Hospital’s Open Arms Fund, which supports breast cancer patients and their families. He said the plan is to get local businesses and non-profit charities to sponsor each obstacle.
“Clarendon Hills is a strong supporter of community events, and that’s exactly what I want this to be,” Bishop said. “I’m hoping to get 700 to 900 participants.”
Final approval has not been given, but Clarendon Hills Village Manager Randy Recklaus said hosting the Suburbanathalon in the village could provide some benefits.
“We’re still working on some details, but this is something that would be set up to promote Clarendon Hills businesses and try to keep people in town after the race is over,” Recklaus said.
