Save the day by joining JOURNEYS Superhero 5K Run/Walk
JOURNEYS | The Road Home is once again giving area residents an opportunity to "Be a Superhero for the Homeless" by donning their favorite caped-crusader wear and participating in its annual Superhero 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk Saturday, June 27, in downtown Palatine.
All proceeds will go to help the homeless children and families supported by JOURNEYS | The Road Home.
"Last year's Superhero Run/Walk drew over 250 participants of all ages wearing many different superhero costumes," said JOURNEYS | The Road Home board President Lisa Eckert.
"Last year we added the one-mile fun run/walk and it was a big success. This year, participants can sign up as an individual or as a team and then set up their own fundraising page. We really hope participants will set up the fundraising pages and send the link to as many people as possible.
"If 250 participants each raise an extra $100 through their fundraising page, that's $25,000 to help the homeless right here in our community. Through the fundraising pages, even people who don't participate in the race get to be superheroes for the homeless!
"This year, too, there will be plenty of fun activities for kids of all ages," continued Eckert. "We will have tattoos, a bouncy house, a 50-yard dash for children ages 8 and younger, a superhero themed photo booth and more. The Superhero Run/Walk is a great family activity."
Eckert said that this year's Superhero Run/Walk title sponsor is Path of Life, a food manufacturer headquartered in Warrenville, that specializes in all natural and organic fruits, vegetables and side dishes. Other key sponsors, she said, are the Daily Herald, The Sign Palace in Elk Grove (again providing all of the signage for the event), and Tap House Grill in downtown Palatine (sponsor of the post-event party).
"We are the only provider in north/northwest Cook County to offer both shelter and social services to the homeless and at-risk, and for those that don't think this is a problem in our area, think again - we served over 1,000 clients this past year," said Eckert.
"And we're not only providing temporary shelter to those without a home or serving a hot meal to those that are hungry. We are empowering individuals to take control of their lives and find an independent way to a more stable, secure life's journey."
The Superhero 5K Run/Walk begins at 8 a.m., with race day registration and packet pickup at 6:30 a.m. at Palatine Towne Square. Pre-race day packet pickup is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 26 at JOURNEYS' back entrance, 1140 E. Northwest Hwy., Palatine.
The entry fee is $35 for adults 18 and older, $30 for students ages 11-17 and $5 for children 10 and younger. Children in strollers are free.
Online and mail registration ends at 3 p.m. June 26. On-site registration will be available on race day beginning at 6:30 a.m. T-shirts are guaranteed only to registrations received by 10 a.m. June 20. The race will proceed rain or shine and there will be no refunds.
Awards will be given to the top overall male and female finishers and the top three finishers of the following age divisions: 10 and under, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, and 71-plus. Overall winners do not receive age division awards.
"As soon as the race is over, runners and walkers are invited to gather at the Tap House Grill for two free beers or soft drinks and a ½-wrap sandwich," said Eckert.
The JOURNEYS Superhero 5K course is USATF-certified and starts at the pavilion in downtown Palatine, then winds through downtown Palatine. No animals are allowed on the course. Strollers are welcome and will be directed to the rear of the line for safety.
Free parking is available at the Gateway Parking Garage on the corner of Smith and Colfax streets, or at any of the local village parking lots around the Towne Square.
The race will be timed by Race Time of Winfield. Race results will be posted at www.racetime.info. For details, contact Beth Nabors at (847) 963-9163, ext. 12, or superhero5k@padstohope.org.
JOURNEYS | The Road Home provides shelter and social services to the homeless and at-risk in north and northwest Cook County through our HOPE Center, PADS Program and PDI Transitional Housing Program.
For details, visit www.journeystheroadhome.org or call (847) 963-9163.
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