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Illinois with Bob Richards Last run of the Park Forest Scenic 10 … maybe The Park Forest Scenic 10 as we know it – a fixture on the national, regional and local running calendar each Labor Day weekend since 1978 – very possibly is making its final run this September. Run in the far southern Chicago suburb of Park Forest on forest preserve bike trails and village streets, the classy 10 miler features a world-class field, top regional talent and the best local runners. But it might be hitting a wall. Say it ain't so, Bud. Race director Bud James and race administrator Martha Davidson have announced this year's 30th annual Scenic 10 will be their last, and it isn't clear what will happen after they leave. The race is owned by the village of Park Forest and there has been talk by some village officials and leaders to keep the race going, but nothing beyond that. Even if the race continues past this year, it will be difficult to recreate the atmosphere created by James and his hard-working staff in cooperation with the village and the Park Forest Running and Pancake Club. The race always has had a magical feeling with the first four-plus miles in the woods and loads of spectators to bring the runners home. Musicians are set up throughout the course and the Scenic 10 has become known as the race with the "string quartet in the woods." The electricity you feel before and after the race is extra special year after year. And the food and fun afterward complete the package. At one point, a news release was sent out saying that although James and Davidson would be stepping down after this year's race, the event would continue "with some modifications and additional sponsorship in 2008." Key issues seem to be finances and getting enough volunteers. "For 2008 and beyond we are studying alternatives related to management and budget of this wonderful event," Park Forest Mayor John Ostenburg said in March. "The village has not canceled the Park Forest Scenic 10 in 2008 and beyond. However, at the direction of the Village Board, we are studying the race to correct problems that have developed and to find effective solutions to them. "We see opportunities to go forward and are studying various possibilities that are being presented to the village. We are working with the running community to ensure the best possible scenarios for this important tradition, including acquiring new sponsors who can help to offset the costs associated with it. We are hopeful our combined efforts will allow the race to continue and to be as good as, and perhaps even better, than it has been in the past." It would be hard, if not impossible, to do it any better. For James, it's time to move on from what has been a true labor of love. "It is a really tough last year, and to come to the point of actually deciding that this would be it was very difficult for me," James said. "I have been involved with the race since 1985 and have been race director since 1988, so I have a great deal of time and love invested in it. "I love the race and want it to go out on top as it should. I fear that it will never be what it was if it continues, so I am hoping that the village sees it to its just end. Labor Day will not be the same for me in any case." The Scenic 10 – winner of the Chicago Area Runners Association's 2006 Best Race Award as well as countless other CARA awards over the years – is set for 8 a.m. on Monday, September 3. There is a limit of 1,700 runners in the 10 mile and another 500 in the less competitive 5K. The registration deadline is August 24. If there is a year to not wait until the last minute to register, this is it. Go to www.scenic10.com to sign up. The elite fields, made possible by $20,000 in prize money, have been very strong and provided icing on the cake. Last year, Kenyans dominated the top 10, taking the top nine men's spots with Nelson Kiplagat just edging out Reuben Chebii for the win. Both were timed in 46:29. Tim Keller, a West Chicago native currently living in Milwaukee, was the top "local" with his 10th-place finish. Asmae Leghzaoui of Kenya was the women's winner in 52:40. But it's the attention to detail, the concerns for the average runner, that set the event apart. When you say you're running Park Forest, people listen. "I have been very lucky to have worked with so many quality and dedicated individuals from the village of Park Forest as they had the foresight to support what we did in the late '80s to make this race one of the best in the world," James said. "We have been blessed with some of the most outstanding performances at the 10-mile distance and have consistently ranked as one of the most competitive 10-mile races in the world. "That makes me proud of what we have done in Park Forest as we have been able to do that while at the same time giving the everyday runner a race that they will always remember." I know I'll be lining up on Labor Day morning. This is a race not to be missed, not when Bud and Martha are in charge. What happens after that? No idea. Bob Richards is a journalist and advocate for all silent sports. He lives in Villa Park, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago. Reach him at bobnanrun@aol.com.
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