RunFurShelter a hit in South Elgin

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the 5K and 10K race for RunFurShelter's event May 31 in South Elgin.

Runners were not deterred by unexpectedly cold temperatures, nor were the 100-plus volunteers and more than 60 sponsors bringing in over $17,000 in donations and sponsorships.

Jeff Myers, "Elgin Today" TV show host, welcomed runners and guests and introduced weight loss diva Kimberly Church who opened the event singing the national anthem. Jack Sparrow, played by Rick Aspen, amused runners and guests who wholeheartedly year after year support the race, which is affiliated with the Salvation Army Golden Diners to which the funds are donated in order that the senior citizens can afford to feed and care for what are often their only companions, their beloved pets.

It was found that many of the seniors were feeding their own meals to their pets because they could not afford pet food. That's when the leaders of RunFurShelter, Nancy Meaney, Sarah Johnson, and Tanya Esquivel joined forces with the Salvation Army Golden Diners to prevent such sad happenings.

Run participants spanned ages 5 to 74. There were 96 runners in this year's first 10K; in the 5K were 331, and the popular kids sprint had more than 20 runners. A record 447 runners participated in this year's event.

Jim Gray took first place in the 5K with a time of 16:17 and a 5:15 pace.

Allison Tippett took first place for the women with a time of 22:15 and a 7:11 pace.

Shawn Meaney took first place in the 10K with a time of 38:57 and a 6:17 pace.

Nancy Meaney

South Elgin