Abe’s Amble 2008
By Jason • Aug 17th, 2008 • Category: Blog[Results] [Photos] You couldn’t have asked for a better day at the Illinois State Fair. The temperature was in the low 70’s and the turnout was HUGE! With over to 1000 participants the race went off without a hitch.
The course is an out and back sort of loop with some challenging hills sprinkled around miles 2-5. Just after you recover from one hill another crops up. This course is definitely not a fast course but a power course.
A brief respite from the pain of the first significant hill occurred complimentary of Rabbit Dan. Danoh had created some artwork on the hill consisting of “Go Rabbits”, “Run Faster”, etc. Not only did this bring some smiles to many participants but it also took your mind off the pain.
Spectators were out in full force literally throughout the course. Not a strip of pavement was spectator-free. It’s pretty cool coming down the finishing stretch with the Grandstand as the backdrop and running through a wall of people cheering. It’s definitely motivating. Local Law Enforcement did an outstanding job keeping the course closed and safe. Hats off to their professionalism.
Temperatures, yes, were mild lending to quite a few PRs for this race. I believe most everyone had a great time, pun intended. Kudos to the over 400 people in Abe’s Armyfor another successful year. Do not miss this race next year.
Hey guys…this is wonderful coverage and GREAT PHOTOS of Abe’s. Sorry the t-shirts were white with big artwork…hopefully you’ll lay off the criticism of them…LOL!
Thanks for all you guys do for the local running & multi-sport scene!
Tim
Thanks guys for providing the photos. I know it takes a lot of time and appreciate the lil blurb about all the local races this year. I was wondering who did the graffiti on the hill. That was cool. They should do that as a pre-race deal next year. Lets have the Abes Army participant gets put their signature somewhere on the course.
Tim…at least the colors were different this year on the t’s.
Thanks Guys! I love seeing race photos too, and that is why we have tried to provide them free of charge to the springfield multisport community. Nothing better than results and photos the same day!
I was on HardyBreed Hill with a Box of Chalk at 6:00 AM. I could have used two boxes, because that rocky asphalt ate the one I had, not to mention my knuckles. I hope it gave everyone a little extra umph to get up that killer hill.
Great Job to everyone in the race
- Danoh
This was my first year running Abe’s and I really didn’t know what to expect - I loved the chalk writing on the hill and it really did take the mind off the idea of running uphill…that was awesome, and I think that should become a tradition! Just wanted to say a big thank you for the insta results and photos! That was great…as is this site!
I was an Abe’s Army leader for the 3rd time and a participant for the 4th and have to say the messages on the hill were a highlight. You’ll have to repeat that next year. Tim B. and Linda - great job as race directors. Everything was very smooth and I”m not sure how you got such great weather. Sergeant Stick
Thanks to all those who made this race and Abe’s Army possible. The pictures were great too. This was my 1st 10K ever and it was an experience I’ll always remember. My daughter Mara came back to run her Dad in and that was great too. Thanks for all the hard work from everyone
Hey Hardy Breed
First time at this site after running Parade run and Abe’s Ambel. Very awesome. Love what you’re doing for the sport and us Runner’s thanks for the pics and keep up the good work. You are now one of my Fav site
Keep up the work
Thanks for the compliments Rabbits! Maintaining this site is pretty easy because it is something we love to do. Having quality races and friendly participants in the Springfield area also helps. I’m glad we can all share in the enjoyment.
Larry, your father and daughter story was inspirational. Being a father myself that is one of the aspects that I love about multi-sport.