Yellow Brick Road 5K Run/Walk

By Blake Wood


Get ready for a good work out during the inaugural Yellow Brick Road 5K Run/Walk, part of UIS Homecoming on Saturday, October 3, 2009 starting at 9:00 a.m. The race is being coordinated by the Recreational Sports Office.

"The route of the race will take you throughout campus and around campus. The road outside of TRAC is one we'll be starting on and heading west for our initial start and it's a really scenic route,” said Amanda Jillson, Assistant Director, Fitness & Instructional Programs.

It only costs $10 to sign up for the race before the September 16, 2009 early registration deadline. Signing up early will also guarantee participants a race t-shirt. Students, staff and community members are welcome to sign-up for the race at the Recreational Sports Office on the UIS campus. Runners can also sign up on the day of the race for $15.

Follow the “Yellow Brick Road” and come out to celebrate UIS Homecoming.

For more information call the Recreational Sports Office at 206-6658.

Tour of TRAC

By Courtney Westlake



Nearly brand-new and state-of-the-art, The Recreation and Athletic Center on the UIS campus offers quality programs, equipment and facilities too numerous to list.

On the main level, guests are greeted at the front desk, with the Fitness Area 1 directly to the right. Fitness Area 1 contains an array of cardiovascular equipment, free weights, plate-loaded equipment and selectorized machines.

"If you're interested in learning how to use any of the equipment, we offer free equipment instructions," said Amanda Jillson, assistant director of fitness and instructional programs. "You can set up a time for equipment instructions by emailing me directly or signing up at the front desk for an appointment."

There is also a beautiful multi-purpose room with hardwood floors and mirrors across from Fitness Area 1, where many of the instructional programs and group exercises classes are held.

"All of our group exercise classes are drop-in, so bring your I-card and come to class," Jillson encouraged. "Yoga is starting this week, so I encourage you to relax and come to yoga class."

Racquetball and squash courts are also located on the first level. You can make reservations to play only on the day of your reservation, or you can simply drop in to the facility to play if the courts are open.

And if you are new to racquetball or simply looking for someone to play with, TRAC also has a Buddy Book for the courts.

"You can put your name in to connect with individuals who are also looking for someone to play with or against," Jillson said.

Fitness Areas 2 and 3 are located on the upper level of TRAC, with more cardiovascular and selectorized equipment, as well as machines for abdominals and equipment for stretching, Jillson said.

"We do offer a mat table that can be used for stretching; it's electronic so can be moved up and down for the convenience of person using it," she said.

On the upper level, large windows line the building, providing an open view of campus from the walking and jogging track that circles the upper level. The track is 1/12 of mile, so 12 laps equals a mile.

"The track changes directions every day, so look at the signage on wall to see what direction you'll need to go in on a particular day," Jillson said.