By Michael Newman

[email protected]

In 2011, I wrote an article on DyeStat Illinois asking coaches throughout the state what their favorite Cross Country courses were within the state of Illinois. We published that in October of that year. When ESPN dropped DyeStat and DyeStat Illinois, this article was lost.

This spring during the track season, I decided that I would update it and re-publish. You should see that sometime during the fall this year.

To expand on the idea, I decided to hit the various courses throughout the state of Illinois giving you a video tour of some of those Cross Country Courses that I have received so much feedback on.

So, I give you the DYESTAT ILLINOIS HS XC COURSE PROJECT.

Each, Thursday during the cross country season, we will publish a different video tour of each of these cross country courses.

This will not be something we will do just for the 2014 season. I want to create a catalog where you can click on the video to see the course. I want this to be a forever project that keeps growing and growing.

I will not be able to make every course in the state immediately. We will get there eventually. I also will look at courses that are no longer in use.

If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact me at [email protected]

WE HOPE THAT YOU LIKE THIS!

9/25/14 - Deer Grove East Forest Preserve

- Home of the Palatine Invitational, this course has been used by Palatine High School since 2000. Video | Course Map

9/25/14 - Sunrise Park, Bartlett IL

- It could be one of the most underrated cross country courses in Illinois. Nestled in the middle of one of Bartlett's residential area, this course is scenic and challenging at the same time. Used by Bartlett High School.  Video | Course Map attached to Article

9/18/14 - Channahon Park, Channahon IL

- Home by many of the southwest suburban Chicago schools, the use of the trails on this course make it challenging for runners. Video | Course Map

9/11/14 - Detweiller Park, Peoria IL

- The home of the IHSA State Cross Country Meet since 1970 and used for many high school and college invitational meets. 4 degree incline / decline at the south end of the park make this course a deceptive challenge. You have to be in the best shape of your life to be successful on this course. Video | Course Map

9/4/14 - Katherine Legge Memorial Park, Hinsdale IL

- Home for Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South. This picturesque park has been used for cross country meet since the mid 1970's. The course is a true test for runners with its rolling hills and creek crossing. Course Map | Video

9/4/14 - Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve, St. Charles IL

- Home of cross country for St. Charles East and St. Charles North, this cross country course is challenging with its mix of trails and field running. Course Map  Video

8/28/14 – Maxwell Park, Normal IL

-    Now in its 20^th season of use, Maxwell Park is used for all of the Bloomington / Normal schools as well as various IHSA Regional / Sectional Meets. It is also the home of the IESA state meet.

-    COURSE MAP – VIDEO

8/28/14 – “Mud Mountain”-SIU Edwardsville, Edwardsville IL

-    One of the toughest and best courses in the state. Located on the north end of the SIU-Edwardsville campus, it is used by Edwardsville and Metro-East Lutheran High Schools.

-    COURSE MAP - VIDEO