Runners in the Southwest Suburbs will have a new half marathon coming to their area next spring, the first annual Palos Bank Southwest Half Marathon. The event will offer $10,000 in total prize money.

On Sunday, May 4, 2008, the Palos Bank Southwest Half Marathon will kick off at 7:30 am at the Palos Heights City Hall (76th Avenue and Route 83).

The half marathon course will be a flat, fast route through downtown Palos Heights and the Cook County forest preserve. Spectators can expect top local talent present thanks to the $10,000 total prize purse and flat course. The event will be chip timed with six aid stations along the course.

After the race, enjoy a post-race festival with a live band.

Registration is now open at active.com The first 1,500 runners to register will receive a New Balance longsleeve Coolmax shirt.

The Saturday before the race, May 3, 2008, the Palos Heights Chamber of Commerce will hold a health fair and packet pickup from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Trinity Christian College. Guest speakers will talk about injury prevention, nutrition, foot care and other issues.

A pasta dinner will follow from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. More information will be announced soon.