District 54 hosts races for literacy

School District 54 is hosting its 11th annual day of races Sunday, Sept. 27, to support literacy. The goal is to collect 1,000 children's books for every classroom in District 54.

The event begins at 8 a.m. with a 100-yard dash for children in first grade and younger, followed by a 400-yard dash for children in sixth grade and younger. Both races take place at Dirksen School, 116 W. Beech Drive in Schaumburg.

The day of races also includes a 5K race at 8:45 a.m. and a one mile family fun walk at 9 a.m. Awards will be presented to the top male and female winners and the top age group winners in the 5K. An awards ceremony will take place at about 10 a.m. All children participating in the 100- and 400-yard dashes will also receive a medal.

All individuals participating in any run or walk must register in advance. The early-bird discounted cost to participate is $5 for junior high school students and younger, $15 for high school students and adults 60 and older, and $25 for adults ages 19 to 59. All those prices rise by $5 after Sept. 4. There is also a family rate of $50 for the walk only.

Registration continues until 8 a.m. on the morning of the event. Registration and packet pickup will begin at 7 a.m. inside the school gym. Anyone who registers by Sept. 23 can also pick up their packets at Dick Pond Athletics, 772 W. Algonquin Road in Hoffman Estates, Sept. 25 and 26.

No bicycles, skates, scooters or pets are allowed on the courses. Strollers are allowed on the walk and run.

District 54 is also accepting sponsors for the race. Donations are being accepted for both the goody bags and post-race raffle prizes.

If you are interested in attending or sponsoring the event, visit sd54.org/runtoread (online registration is available at this link). You may also contact Terri McHugh at (847) 357-5028 or TerriMcHugh@sd54.org.