ok, park district: explain to me why registration for this race closed JUNE 12 (THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE 4th of july) and race packets were to be picked up the 18th (TWO weeks before.) of course, the fee after june 12 went up 5.00. So, now we're looking at a total of 25.00. and i wouldn't be quite so peeved if this benefited a not-for-profit type group. however, i suspect this benefits...the park district. (and yeah, i know they have expenses, etc., but come on folks!? closing regular registration THREE WEEKS BEFORE? no other race does this to my knowledge....)
otherwise...hope everyone had a great 4th...a glorious day in glen ellyn...

My unscientific eye, along with my neighbors, detected a large drop in participation this year.

I strongly suspect that their registration calendar was laid out w/ the assumption that the weekend before the 4th is typically occupied by the cardboard boats that would limit resources for packet pickup.

As a pre-registered runner, I received an e-mail on 6/16 stating:

"Please note that the packet pick-up will not be held this Saturday, June 19th. Instead, packets for pre-registered runners will be available for pick-up in the fitness center at the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center (800 St. Charles Rd.) starting on Wednesday, June 23rd through Sunday, June 27th. Times for pick-up will be between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday, and between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday."

Scanning the results, looks like 884 finished in 2007 as a recent peak. Fell to about 825 in 2008, 757 in 2009, down to 729 this year.

My unscientific eye, along with my neighbors, detected a modest drop in participation this year.

I should have checked to see where the money for this run went. Knowing it goes to the park district and not to charity, I won't be doing this one again. (the whole event didn't impress me at all when I compare it to other local 5Ks)