Exercise, patriotism and a good cause in St. Charles 'Freedom' run

When soon-to-be St. Charles East High School senior Michael Gerkin rounded the last turn in the LeRoy Oaks Forest Preserve Saturday morning to be the first finisher in the Great Western Freedom 4 charity run, he was in familiar territory.

Gerkin finished first two years ago and said the run, which is a fundraiser for the St. Charles homeless shelter Lazarus House, is a good way to gauge his fitness level for the upcoming cross-country season.

"It helps a lot to figure out where you're at early in the summer," he said. "Our cross-country team is going to be solid this fall."

Gerkin was one of about 400 people who participated in the fundraiser, which has been held the last seven years. The event also featured a 2-mile scenic walk through the 439-acre forest preserve.

Lazarus House Executive Director Liz Eakins said last year's event raised more than $16,000, and organizers hoped to raise more than $20,000 this time around. Participants also had the option of obtaining pledges to help Lazarus House.

"This has become quite a tradition in our community," she said.

Geneva couple Greg Podczaski and Carol Cummins have participated the last several years. Podczaski runs while his wife walks. Each made a separate donation to Lazarus House in addition to the signup fee.

"It's very friendly and just a nice way to get exercise and be patriotic, too," Cummins said.