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Run For Your Life Through Chicago's Biggest Cemetery At Rosehill's Crypt 5K

By Linze Rice | October 5, 2016 5:45am
 Good luck outrunning the Grim Reaper at Saturday's Rosehill Cemetery Crypt 5K.
Good luck outrunning the Grim Reaper at Saturday's Rosehill Cemetery Crypt 5K.
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Special Events Management

EDGEWATER — Spirits will be high Saturday as the 5th Annual Rosehill Cemetery Crypt 5K Run/Walk moves runners though a candlelight path of Chicago's biggest cemetery. 

Starting at 7 p.m., the 5K takes participants through the city's largest Victorian-era graveyard, at 5800 N. Ravenswood Ave., filled with famous Chicagoans of eras past, like Oscar Mayer, Richard Ogilvie, Richard Warren Sears and John G. Shedd, as well as a number of Civil War soldiers.

The race will start to the sounds of a DJ before runners head down smooth paths illuminated only by the moon and candles. The run raises funds for the American Diabetes Association.

Those interested can register online until noon Wednesday or starting at 5:30 p.m. the day of the race.

After the race, runners and attendees are invited to head over to Fireside Restaurant, 5739 N. Ravenswood Ave., for a post-race celebration that includes snacks, drinks and live music.

Medals will be awarded there, and participants can also opt to pay an extra $12 for a discounted meal of pulled pork, cajun meatloaf or macaroni and cheese at Fireside, which has been a crucial piece of Rosehill's history. 

Rosehill Cemetery was built in 1864 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

It was originally named Roe's Cemetery after nearby resident Hiram Roe, who, in true Chicago form, would not sell the property to the city without a promise it would be named after him. 

A city clerk mistakenly jotted down Rosehill, which stuck as the graveyard's name.

Organizers ask no pets or strollers accompany runners, due to cemetery rules and sharp turns.

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