The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) announced today that, due to low participation numbers, it is not going to hold its planned Road Race on July 30, 2016.
The 5K races were slated to unfold across three divisions, including the Wheelchair Division, Male Division, and Female Division. Any individual who would be a student at an IHSA member high school in 2016-17 was eligible to sign-up for the free event, which was to be held at Heartland Community College in Normal.
“Although we are disappointed, we haven’t given up on the concept by any means,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “We are going to have our Cross Country Advisory Committee and Athletes With Disabilities Committee continue to discuss and review the premise, while also seeking more feedback from our member schools.”
The IHSA had sought to expand its opportunities for athletes with disabilities with the event, however, there were no entries in the Wheelchair Division, which factored into the decision to cancel the event.
The IHSA has offered an Athletes with Disabilities division within its State Finals in boys and girls bowling, boys and girls swimming, and boys and girls track & field since 2013. In 2013 and 2014, the IHSA also offered an Athletes with Disabilities division within the Boys and Girls Cross Country State Series, however, the concept of the road race was developed after there were no entries in either season.