Morrissey Park Parkrun: Free 5K Every Saturday!

I always dreamed of having free park runs all over the US like they do around much of the rest of the world. Wouldn't it be cool to have a local fun 5K race every week? Free? Well, there is one in Champaign, IL! It's the Morrissey Park parkrun. They have a 5k event every Saturday at 9am. 

Not sure why I didn't know about this run, but a postdoc at Illinois told me about it and I'm going to be a regular participant. My first parkrun will likely be on May 3--one week before the Kirby Derby 5K. It will be a good test of my speed before race day. I love the idea of evaluating my 5k speed a couple of times a month. If not running, then I can volunteer. 

These parkruns are a great way for new runners and walkers to socialize and meet new people. The setting is stress free and supportive. They do track results, but there are no registration fees or awards. Just running...or walking. Great participation event. If you live in the Champaign-Urbana Illinois area, come join the fun!

NOTE: The Morrissey parkrun has been cancelled for Saturday, April 26 since that is Illinois Marathon day! Good luck to all of those racers (5k, 10k, HM, marathon, and marathon relay). I'm skipping the event this year.