Hidden Gem Half Marathon
The Hidden Gem Half Marathon offers a fast, flat course with strong community support.
Race Date
Sep 12, 2026
Location
Flossmoor, IL
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Location
- Flossmoor, Illinois
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 6,056
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
First run in 2019 and now in its seventh year, the Hidden Gem Half Marathon has quickly become a favorite for runners seeking a fast and flat course. Attracting around 1055 finishers in recent years, the race draws participants from approximately 24 states, highlighting its growing reputation.
The USATF-certified course is known for its minimal elevation change, with a net drop and minimal elevation gain, making it a prime location for setting personal bests. The course is a point-to-point, with a slight elevation difference between the start and finish.
With a remarkable repeat-runner loyalty rate of about 51%, the Hidden Gem Half Marathon clearly resonates with its participants. The race boasts a welcoming atmosphere and is well-supported, creating a memorable experience for both seasoned runners and those looking for a new challenge.
Race-provided description
var bodyCacheable = true; var exclusionReason = {"shouldRender":true,"forced":false}; var ssrInfo = {"cacheExclusionReason":"","renderBodyTime":1073,"renderTimeStamp":1779396448389} if (window.ResizeObserver && (!window.PerformanceObserver || !PerformanceObserver.supportedEntryTypes || PerformanceObserver.supportedEntryTypes.indexOf('paint') === -1)) { new ResizeObserver(function (entries, observer) { entries.some(function (entry) { var contentRect = entry.contentRect; if (contentRect.width > 0 && contentRect.height > 0) { requestAnimationFrame(function (now) { window.wixFirstPaint = now; dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent('wixFirstPaint')); }); observer.disconnect(); return true; } }); }).observe(document.body); } const div = document.createElement('div') div.style.overflowY = 'scroll' div.sty
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
-0.09 m
Separation
2.7%
USATF Certified Course
IL25024NM · The Hidden Gem Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Standout797 years running
~1,055 finishers a year
shrinking
52% returning runners
USATF certified · 3 timing sources · 4 photos
runners from 16 states
winner 1:05:42
typical high 78°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
59°
Afternoon (High)
78°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
68%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 6,056 finishers actually crossed the line across 7 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
6,056
Median time
1:59:21
Latest turnout
939
States
36
Turnout by year
2019–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Hidden Gem Half Marathon?
The Hidden Gem Half Marathon was held on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Where does the Hidden Gem Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Flossmoor, Illinois.
What distances does the Hidden Gem Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Hidden Gem Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Hidden Gem Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Hidden Gem Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 6,056 runners who have completed the Hidden Gem Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
The weekly roundup
More races like Hidden Gem Half Marathon, every Thursday.
Standout upcoming half marathons and fresh results in one short email. Free, and one click to leave.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Flossmoor? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
