More than 12,000 runners set for BTN Big 10K on July 27

The BTN Big 10K and 5K run/walk just got super-sized. More than 12,000 runners have already signed up for the second-annual event, more than double the amount of runners who participated last year. The race is set for Saturday, July 27, and will be televised on BTN at 8 p.m. ET that night.

Due to high demand, the race course has been revised to create a better experience for runners. The course will now start and finish on Solidarity Drive, and the post-race FanFest & Tailgate party will take place in front of Adler Planetarium. The race course can be found here.

The 10K will begin at 7 a.m. CT, and the 5K at 8:15. The FanFest & Tailgate party opens at 7:30 a.m. and is open to the public.

Also new this year, all finishers will receive a commemorative finisher?s medal after crossing the finish line. In addition, each race finisher 21 and older will receive complimentary 312 Urban Wheat Ale from Goose Island.

A host of BTN talent and former Big Ten standouts will be at the race. BTN Talent Gerry DiNardo, Glen Mason, Chuck Long, Dave Revsine, Howard Griffith, Mike Hall, Derek Rackley and Marcus Ray will also be on-site and mingling with the public and posing for pictures. Former Big Ten athletes set to attend the event include Eric Crouch, 2001 Heisman Trophy winner and former Husker; Blake Geoffrion, 2011 Hobey Baker award winner and former Badger; Anthony Adams, former NFL defensive tackle and Penn State alum; Raymont Harris, former NFL running back and Ohio State alum, Kurt Kittner, former Illinois quarterback of the 2001 Big Ten Championship team, Brian Huffman, former Northwestern punter and placekicker and many more. Big Ten mascots and cheerleaders will also be on-site celebrating with the participants

The post-race FanFest & Tailgate party will include music, football-themed games and activities, tents hosted by all 12 Chicago Big Ten Alumni Associations and food and beverage concessions. Special Olympics Chicago will host a tent at the post-race FanFest & Tailgate party providing participants with information on upcoming events and initiatives.

Fans are encouraged to show their school spirit with festive costumes and school-inspired accessories to compete for a variety of prizes. The BTN Big 10K Spirit Awards will be given to the Most Spirited Male, Female, Couple and Group and ?Split Fan,? a runner with allegiances to more than one school.

Registration for the 10K is $45 and $35 for the 5K for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Registration closes on July 23. For more information, or to sign up for the BTN Big 10K, go to: www.BTNBig10K.com.