Aurora race helps fund state Special Olympics

Season after season, athletes step onto courts, fields and tracks, each thrilled to have the opportunity provided by Special Olympics.

But without events like the Run for the Athletes 5K, there would be no competition, no medals, no smiles at the finish lines.

The Run for the Athletes 5K, organized by officers in the Aurora Police Department, raises money to support Special Olympics programs for athletes with special needs. The race begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, following the Gilman Bike Trail at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora.

All proceeds from the twilight race will be given to the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics, which benefits Special Olympics Illinois, said Aurora Sgt. Doug Podschweit, who’s organizing the run with fellow officers.

More than 40 years ago, Illinois law enforcement officials began donating their time to the Special Olympics competition by carrying a torch across the state to mark the start of the event.

In addition, Podschweit says that Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run organizers “asked every law enforcement agency in the state to try to help raise awareness for the cause and generate money to help fund the Special Olympics.”

“From what I can remember, we always used to do things, but it wasn’t a really wholehearted effort,” said Podschweit, who has been with the Aurora Police Department for 18 years.

Four years ago, Podschweit and his fellow officers decided to make a commitment to Special Olympics fundraising and partnered with the Fox Valley Park District to create the Run for the Athletes 5K.

In past years, the event has been in November, early on a weekend morning. Given the chance, though, Podschweit was eager to make a change.

“I got tired of getting up at 5 a.m. on Saturday or Sunday and freezing,” Podschweit said. “Let’s try to mix it up a bit and we’ll see how it goes.”

As part of the event, the group also will host the second annual Police vs. Fire 5K Team Challenge, a cross country-style competition between local police and fire personnel.

“Unfortunately, Aurora Fire handed it to us,” Podschweit said of last year’s head-to-head race.

This year the team event will be open to all police and fire personnel, with six teams from Elgin, Sugar Grove and Aurora already registered, Podschweit said.

Run for the Athletes registration for individuals is $20 in advance or $25 on race day, with registration and check-in from 4 to 5:45 p.m. Wednesday. Team registration for the Police vs. Fire Challenge is $80.

In 2010, the Run for the Athletes 5K had close to 170 participants. Podschweit hopes that this year’s race will draw more than 200 competitors.

“We’ve definitely seen some interest,” he said.

If you go

What: Run for the Athletes 5K and Police vs. Fire 5K Team Challenge

When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17; registration from 4 to 5:45 p.m.

Where: Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora

Cost: $20 in advance, $25 race day registration; $80 for teams

Info: runfortheathletes.com or (630) 256-5772

Volunteer

The Aurora Police Department is still looking for community members to donate their time at the Run for the Athletes 5K. Volunteers will need to be present from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on race day. To volunteer, call Doug Podschweit at (630) 973-6761.