Wheaton to light the way for nighttime run

Runners will have a chance to help change lives, both locally and nationally, by participating in Wheaton's inaugural FT Cares Light the Torch Night Run.

The run, stepping off at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, will be designed for both experienced and novice runners and walkers who will help illuminate their community during the nighttime race.

Race Director Ryan Miller, manager at Parks Plus Fitness Center, said the race will be timed, "but we encourage people to also just do it for fun and their health."

The event will feature luminaria-lit paths for runners, lighted water displays and balloon sculptures.

In addition, runners will travel along a course in south Wheaton, as opposed to the 5K course through residential north Wheaton used for races such as the Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals in June, Reindeer Run in December, and Fun Run in Color in April.

Registration is $30 for adults and $15 for those 10 and younger. At packet pickup, the registration fee increases to $40 for adults and $20 for youths. Registered runners will receive a reflector; the first 750 registered will receive a reflector tech run shirt.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit FT Cares Foundation, which was created to be the charitable arm of First Trust Portfolios, said Jane Doyle, president of the foundation.

"First Trust Portfolios is well-known in the community and has sponsored many events," she said. "But we believe that many people don't know how much work we do in the community through DuPage PADS, Outreach Community Ministries and Milton Township Food Pantry, to name just a few. While the recognition for the work isn't what we seek, we do believe it's important the community knows we believe in giving back and that our charitable endeavors matter to us."

For details, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com. To register, visit active.com.