Hundreds Take On Lemont's Hills in Quarryman 10-Mile, 5K

They wouldn't have minded if the temperature had been a few degrees cooler, but the overcast skies made for runners' delight Saturday, as 800 tackled the hills of Lemont in the Citgo Quarryman Challenge. 

The 10-mile and 5K (3.1 miles) races started and finished in downtown Lemont, weaving through scenic areas of the village throughout both courses.

The Quarryman, which has been rated “Best Hills” among Chicagoland’s running races,  offers elite athletes, age group competitors and fitness runners a different, challenging course in Lemont's unique, scenic and small town setting, organizers said.

The youngest to take to the course was 9 years old; the oldest was 80-year-old Carl Hays.

Lemont resident Dena McGrath said her 13-year-old son Paul "smoked" her in the 5K, but the 42-year-old topped her 40–44 age bracket. 

"I probably didn't practice as much as I should have," McGrath said. "I ran for pleasure. This one's a little more challenging."

Peoria resident Sam Bradley finished first in the 10-mile with a time of  53:34, and praised the race organizers for a well-run event, with a difficult course. 

"That was pretty tough," Bradley said. "A lot hillier than I thought it would be." 

Laura Batterink of Evanston was the top female finisher in the 10-mile, clocking in at 58:23. She enjoyed the effort up the hills, and cruising on the backside. 

"It made it interesting," Batterink said. "First time here. But I'd definitely come back."

CLICK HERE for complete results from 2014 Quarryman Challenge.