Just for the HILL of it!

Hill Yeah! 5k Challenge

April 29  |  8:00a  |  West Park

$37 pre-reg thru March 31 | $42 April 1-27 | $50 race day

Inwood Run Club rates available

For online registration, pre-reg or IRC discounts will be reflected at checkout.

For all race questions, contact Denise Ryan at dryan@jolietpark.org

About the Race

Just for the HILL of it!

Nearly 50 years ago, Karl Minor and his friends pioneered what would become a local running institution. His morning runs would consist of the same route – 10k of hilly roads through Rockdale and Joliet, IL.  That route would eventually become the Rockdale Ramblin’ Run, hosted by the Joliet Park District for many years.  While the race no longer occurs, the hills remain. In honor of that challenge, run3 presents the Hill Yeah! 5k Challenge.

The Hill Yeah! 5k Challenge begins and ends at West Park, one of Joliet's oldest and most scenic public parks. Rambling through the hilly local neighborhoods and the park itself, the Hill Yeah! 5k Challenge will test your stamina at almost every turn.

Will it be easy? Nope. Worth it? HILL YEAH!

Hill Yeah! 5K Challenge registration includes a custom long sleeve t-shirt and custom medal.  Packet pickup will be Friday, April 28 from 6a-7p at Inwood Athletic Club (3000 W Jefferson, Joliet). 

Hill Yeah! 5k Challenge is a chip-timed race.  The overall male / female and masters (age 50+) male / female winners will be awarded prizes.  In addition, age group awards will be given to the top 3 male/female finishers in each age bracket.  Please see the FAQs for age group brackets.

$37 thru March 31 | $42 April 1-27 | $50 race day

The Hill Yeah! 5k Challenge is the first race in the 2023 run3 circuit.  Register for all three Joliet Park District races to receive free custom run3 swag. Click here to register for the run3 bundle (available through March 31). 

Can’t you just bring back the Rockdale Ramblin’ Run 10k?

Nope.

How can I register for the Hill Yeah! 5k Challenge?

You can register online, in-person at the Joliet Park District, 3000 W Jefferson St in Joliet or call 815-741-7275 x100.  

Can I run the Hill Yeah! 5k Challenge virtually?

You are welcome to register for the race and run on your own, however, all race packets must be picked up in person.  Finishers medals for virtual runners will be included at packet pickup.  Please contact Denise at dryan@jolietpark.org for more information.

Will race day registration be available?

Race day registration will be available if the race does not sell out.  Race day registration is $50.  Please note that apparel availability and size selection may be limited on race day.

Is there a group registration rate?

There is not a group registration rate for the Hill Yeah! 5k Challenge.

When and where is packet pickup?

Race packet pickup for pre-registered runners will be Friday, April 28 from 6a-7p in the Community Room at Inwood Athletic Club (3000 W. Jefferson in Joliet).  Packet pickup also will be available on race day. 

Is there an available course map?

The course map is available here.  Please note that the final stretch through West Park is NOT mapped.  The finish line will be on the east side of the park near the start line.

Where should I park on race day?

Parking will be available in the Village of Rockdale municipal lot at the corner of Brandon Rd. and Moen Ave.  Spaces are limited and runners are encouraged to carpool.  Shuttles will be available to take runners to and from the lot starting at 7:00a.  
There also is ample street parking in the neighborhoods around West Park. 

Will there be a gear check area?

Yes, gear check will be available at the registration/packet pickup table.

Can I run with my dog? What about a stroller?

For the safety of all participants, your children and your pets, we do not permit pets or strollers (or bikes or rollerblades) on the race course.

What are the age group brackets for awards?

The top 3 male and female finishers in each age group will receive an award.  Age group brackets for the Hill Yeah! 5k Challenge are:

0-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80+

How does my company become a Hill Yeah! 5k Challenge sponsor?

Contact Beth Ley, Corporate Relations Supervisor, for more information on sponsorship or participation in any of the Joliet Park District run3 race events: 815-741-7274 x 319 –OR-  bley@jolietpark.org

Still have questions? Need more information?

Contact Denise at dryan@jolietpark.org

No refunds due to inclement weather and/or race cancellation.

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