Channahon, IL. - On September 18, 2005, the Prairie State Road Runners will host the 16th annual National Heritage Corridor 25k Run at Central Park in Channahon, Il.

RunBig Chicago Multisport Club is working in conjunction with the Prairie State Road Runners to host the Clydesdale 25K National Championship. RunBig Chicago's mission is to promote weight division competition at area road races and has worked with the National Heritage Corridor 25K for the past 5 years to provide a quality competitive race for Clydesdale athletes. The Clydesdale National Championship series is sanctioned by the USA Clydesdale and Filly Running Federation and the weight and age divisions for the 25K National Championship race in Channahon are in accordance with the national organization's guidelines. We anticipate Clydesdale athletes from all over the country will be testing their mettle against the stable full of competitive Clydesdales athletes here in Chicagoland. Prize money and trophies will be awarded.

In addition, this race traditionally serves as the last long tune-up run for many runners prior to their fall marathon. Approximately 90% of the race is run on the Illinois and Michigan Canal state trail, which stretches from Rockdale to LaSalle, IL.

In 2004, participating runners gave the NHC 25K the highest rating of any registered race sanctioned by the Chicago Area Runners Association.

"We strive to provide a high quality event each year" said Mary Jones, the 2004 event director. "100 percent of runners participating in the race last year indicated in their surveys they would be back this year if possible".

A flat, fast course has produced three age group national records. Overall, the course record of one hour, eighteen minutes and 34 seconds is held by Wilson Chepkwony of Eldoret, Kenya.

For more information, visit www.psrr.org and www.runbig.org.