2024 Moraine Hills Run for the Hills Half Marathon

September 28, 2024


Your Race Weekend Guide

Dear Team!

One of my greatest joys is getting to see the transformation in you as you train and fundraise. You joined a team to make your race about changing the world for people who don’t have access to clean water. Those people are waiting for a water project that will change their lives and communities for generations.

As you get ready for race morning, pause. Take a deep breath. Think back to April….May. You have come a long way. Maybe you have had some bumps in the road, but you are here. It’s time to celebrate with a victory lap around Moraine Hills. Find joy in the beauty of the park we get to run through. Take in the smiles and the cheers as you make your way through the park. Encourage another runner as you pass them by. Maybe you will be called to walk with someone struggling or God may provide someone to go with you.

We are never alone. Feel God smile because you chose to move your feet and make your walking and running about others.

It’s never to late to invite people into this grand story that we get to be a part of. Make sure when you are struggling between mile 10 and 13 you think about the people who will now get clean water because you said ‘Yes” to this race.

May God bless you and be with you out on the hills this race day!

See you bright and early Saturday morning!


Anne Weirich

Packet Pickup Information 

Dates and Times

Pre-race Packet Pickup
Thursday, 09/26/2024 and Friday, 09/27/2024
10:00 am until 7:00 pm

Location

The Running Depot | 30 H North Williams Street, Crystal Lake IL 60014

Race Day Packet Pickup
Saturday, 09/28/2024
Beginning at 6:30 am

Location

Moraine Hills State Park | 1510 S River Rd, McHenry, IL 60051

What to Bring

Make sure to bring your ID!

Race Weekend Shirt

Buy your 2024 Race Weekend Shirt online now and have it shipped to you! This is a great way to show some team spirit, remember the incredible year we've had, and celebrate your accomplishment! It's also a great post-race option for changing out of that sweaty jersey. The only way to get your shirt is to purchase online using the link below.

2024 Race Weekend Shirt

Buy Your Race Weekend Shirt

Team Dinner

Important Details

Date: Wednesday, 09/25/2024
Time: 6:00 pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm)
Cost: $10
Location: Church of the Holy Apostles | 5211 Bull Valley Road McHenry, IL 60050
 

Buy Team Dinner Tickets

This will be an incredible evening of celebrations, stories, and carbo-loading for the big race ahead! Don't miss it! Don't forget to wear your Team World Vision swag!

Race Day Details for Runners

Date and Important Times

Saturday, 09/28/2024

Arrive at Meeting Point: 6:45 am - 7:10 am
Gear Check: opens at 6:45 am at the TWV tent
Group Photo and Pep Rally: 7:10 am
Race Start: WALKERS start at 7:30 am | RUNNERS & RUN-WALKERS start 8:00 am

Meeting Point

Moraine Hills State Park | 1510 S. River Road, McHenry, IL 60051

Meet at the Team World Vision tent in the start area located at the Northern Woods lot along the Lake Defiance Trail. There will be signs posted for the race start/finish area.

Gear Check

Team World Vision will have its own gear check area in the Team World Vision tent. Feel free to bring dry clothes or cover ups for before/after your race. All gear left in the tent must be bagged and labeled with your name on it!

Finish Line Party

Post-race, head back to the Team World Vision tent. Family and friends are welcome to join you! Grab-and-go food will be provided for our runners!

Parking and Transportation

Parking at the state park is limited. You will enter the park and be directed to a parking lot. The race will have shuttle buses to transport you from the parking areas to the start area.

 

Race Day Details for Spectathletes

Spectathletes, you are a crucial part of race day! You make this day special for your runner and all runners out there on the course. If you've ever run any kind of race, you know how meaningful the crowds cheers are. Be sure to cheer on all Team World Vision participants by name and plan on being loud! A sign or cowbell is a great addition too. Come prepared with a chair, bug spray, sunblock, snacks, and get ready for some fun! If the weather looks like rain, prepare accordingly. Most importantly, make sure to wear orange!

Cheer Station #1

Time: 8:00 am
Location: Pine Hills Station

This cheer station is near the 2 mile marker on the course and our runners will need lots of encouragement after two tough miles of the Moraine Hills!

Cheer Station #2

Time: 8:30 am
Location: Junction C

This station is located approximately .5 miles from the main entrance of Moraine Hills State Park on River Road. Park in the Pike Marsh lot, which will be the first lot you come to on the right as you enter the park. Then hit the trail heading north along River Road, and walk to Junction C where the Lake Defiance Trail meets the Leatherleaf Bog Trail. Cross over to the McHenry Dam. Half Marathoners will pass this location 4 times!

Cheer Station #3

Time: 9:00 am
Location: McHenry Dam

Take River Road North of the main entrance to the River Road McHenry Dam Entrance, which will be on your left. Park at the very end of the McHenry Dam Concession lot where the circular drive is and gather near the river. Be prepared to give our runners a boost between miles 8 and 9 on the Fox River Trail.

Finish Line Party

Join us any time after the start of the race at the Team World Vision Finish Line Party to meet your runner and celebrate! We anticipate our first runners arriving to the Finish Line Party around 10:15 or 10:30 a.m. and will remain until all runners have arrived. Look for the TWV Tent and Flags.

Location: Moraine Hills State Park | 1510 S River Rd, McHenry, IL 60051

The Start/Finish area is located at the Northern Woods lot along the Lake Defiance Trail. There will be signs posted for the race start/finish area.

What to Wear

Team World Vision Jersey

Buy your jersey ahead of time via the Team World Vision Store. Be sure to put your name across the front so people can cheer for you by name!

Check out our Gear Guide for ideas and a race day packing list! Lay out your "flat runner" so you can be sure you have everything you need (and post it when you ask for race day donations and prayers).

 
Dress for the Weather

The race will happen rain or shine! Be sure to have what you need for race day.

What to Wear

Race Weekend Shirt

Buy your 2024 Race Weekend and Spectathlete shirts online now and have them shipped to you! This is a great way to show some team spirit, remember the incredible year we've had, and celebrate your accomplishment! It's also a great post-race option for changing out of that sweaty jersey. These orange Spectathlete shirts make it easy to spot your fans out on the course. The only way to get your shirts is to purchase online using the link below.

2024 Race Weekend ShirtTWV Spectathlete Shirt

Buy Your Race Weekend Shirts

Fundraising

Fundraising Resources

As we get to race day, it’s not too late to hit or even go beyond your fundraising goal! Our finish line = a fresh start for vulnerable communities! Keep working toward making a big impact!

Download the app to take your fundraising on the go, update your social media, and keep your friends and family updated with photos, progress reports, and prayer requests, plus don’t forget to share your fundraising link. Be bold in asking for donations—you're crushing this race for a reason!