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Rattlesnake Master Run for the Prairie

Sun November 5, 2023 Urbana, IL 61802 US Directions

Events

5K Walk

9:00AM CST - 11:30AM CST

5K Run

9:00AM CST - 11:30AM CST

10K Run

9:00AM CST - 11:30AM CST

Place

Meadowbrook Park
2808 S Race St
Urbana, IL US 61802

Description

 
The 25th annual Rattlesnake Master Run for the Prairie includes a 10K and 5K run and 5K walk that benefits Grand Prairie Friends, a non-profit land trust and conservation group in central Illinois.  This race circles the beautiful 130-acre Meadowbrook Park and prairie in Urbana, Illinois and includes some trail running. It offers a low entry fee, race medals, optional t-shirts, music, and friendly volunteers. 
Come celebrate 25 years of races! Runners of all ages welcome!

Registration:  Starts 8/21/2023

Shirts: Available for registrations received by Sunday, Oct 22.

Entry fees: Register by Oct 22 to get the lowest price.

Post Race Activities: Race awards and music at the Garden Pavilion in Meadowbrook Park.  Food and beverage free to participants.  

Medals given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category:

10K Run:
  • WOMEN: Ages: 0-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over 
  • MEN: Ages: 0-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over 
 5K Run:
  • WOMEN: 0-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over 
  • MEN: Ages: 0-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over
5K Walk.
  • Ages: 0-35, 36-49, 50 and over  

Regulations:

  • No dogs, strollers, or hiking poles
  • No refunds
  • Applicable state and local COVID guidelines will apply

Parking:  Meadowbrook Park lots near playground and Race St. entrance.  Grass lot on southwest corner of Windsor and Race.

Packet Pickup: Race packets available noon-4pm on Saturday, Nov 4 at Body n' Sole, 1317 Dunlap, Savoy, IL (217-356-8926). 

Packets also available on race day from 8-8:45am at the Garden Pavilion in Meadowbrook Park near the Race Street Parking Lot.

Race start:  9am.  Don't forget the time change!

Race Website

Additional race information can be found at http://www.grandprairiefriends.org.

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

What is a Rattlesnake Master?

Rattlesnake Master is a flowering plant native to the tallgrass prairie.  It grows in prairies in central Illinois like those owned by Grand Prairie Friends and Urbana Park District's Meadowbrook Park.  It's scientific name, Eryngium yuccifolium, is a clue that its leaves are yucca-like.  The globe shaped seed heads and spiny leaves offers a unique appearance in one's garden.   Grand Prairie Friend's annual native plant sale in May offers this particular plant - look us up next spring to get your very own!

So why this name?  In the past, the dried seed heads were used as rattles by native Americans. Pioneers thought the roots was an antidote to rattlesnake bite, but this was not the case.

 

Thank You for Supporting Grand Prairie Friends

Grand Prairie Friends is non-profit and volunteer led, relying largely on fundraisers, membership fees, and donations to steward and protect forever over 1200 acres of native habitat in central Illinois.  These prairies, woodlands, and wetlands are open to the public and our largest property, Warbler Ridge Conservation Area, has over 10 miles of hiking trails.

Your entry fees and donations contribute to their preservation.   Visit https://www.grandprairiefriends.org/places-we-protect to learn about our preserves.

Sponsors

10K Course Map

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5K Course Map

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Directions

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