Let's Race!
For over thirty years, a race has been part of Buffalo Grove Days. The race is organized and run by the Buffalo Grove Park District. Originally, it was called the September Stampede, and racers could choose between a 10k race or a 1 mile fun run.
The runners were usually local residents, and attendance was about 150 people for the race. The race shirts were tank tops and the winners received a mug with the Stampede logo on it.
That's an early start!
In the mid 1990s, the race changed to a 5k/10k run and a 5k walk. The race course also became more official, with certification of the course, official timing, and involvement with the Chicago Area Runners Association. The new options and the official status of the race drew in more participants both locally and from surrounding communities. Depending on weather, the Buffalo Grove Stampede has drawn 1300 runners from multiple states and even from foreign countries.
"I started helping with the race in 1992. Rick Missing and I would setup for the Stampede. We had maybe one other PT staff member who would help. We would arrive at Willow Stream Park about 2am and start setting up to be ready for the start at 8am."
-- Ryan Risinger, Executive Director, Buffalo Grove Park District