THE FINAL CANAL CONNECTION 10K
The Final Canal Connection 10K
Starved Rock Runners, Ltd. announces that due to unforeseen circumstances, the Canal Connection 10K, held in Utica, IL, will be run for the last time on November 3rd, 2019.
For 37 years this unique and iconic event, which is ran on 4.2 miles of the I-M Canal Towpath, featuring rock formations and autumn scenery, which is presented by Starved Rock Runners, Ltd., is part of the race circuits of Starved Rock Runners, Ltd., Lake Run Club, Illinois Valley Striders, and Springfield Road Runners Club.
In order to use the canal, an Activity Permit needs to be submitted for approval, along with a Permit to Sell document, which states since the event has a registration fee then Starved Rock Runners, Ltd. would agree then to pay a fee equal to 10% of total gross sales for using the Canal. The payment is due at the close of the final day of the event. In the past, the Permit to Sell fee was waived for a non-profit organization.
However this year, the Activity Permit was approved but the Permit to Sell fee waiver was denied, meaning now a 10 percent permit to sell fee for Canal Connection is requested, which Starved Rock Runners, Ltd. decided will pay only to have the final event this November.
It is a shame that this fee was not waived, as Starved Rock Runners, Ltd. proceeds are put back into the community and money is also spent by the participants after the event is over in the community. Proceeds from the event after expenses minus now the 10% fee will either cause the event to maybe break even, but also could cause a loss to Starved Rock Runners, Ltd.
Other circumstances is the upcoming sale of one of the two schools the event uses. The school can be used for the 2019 event but not after, meaning that a new venue would need to be found. This could mean a change in the course, buses, basically a revamp of this unique event.
Please spread the word to the running community of the Final Canal Connection 10K on November 3rd, 2019 so all runners can experience this one of a kind event, one last time.
Starved Rock Runners, Ltd. Board of Directors will be talking about coming up with a future event.
Sincerely,
Carroll Lulay
SRRL President
