Run four Wheaton 5Ks, receive discount

Wheaton Park District is encouraging runners in the community to join a race every season through its new Race Wheaton program that offers discounts to participants who sign up for four 5Ks in town this year.

Wheaton offers a run for every season in 2016: Fun Run in Color for spring, Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals in summer, Light the Torch Night Run for fall, and Lions Club Reindeer Run in winter.

During the Fun Run in Color on April 16, racers are encouraged to wear light colors and are showered along the route with vibrant dyes made from food-grade quality cornstarch, turning each racer into a brilliant kaleidoscope by the time they cross the finish line.

The Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals on June 4 is one of the biggest annual fundraisers for Cosley Zoo, supporting its ongoing animal care, conservation and public education programs. Runners also can try a 10K for this race.

Sunset inevitably comes earlier in the fall, but racers can glow bright against the dark with the Light the Torch Night Run Sept. 30. Luminarias line the race route and many runners wear glow-in-the-dark bracelets, headbands and shirts.

It can be difficult to keep active during winter, but the Lions Club Reindeer Run Dec. 3 can help. Holiday-themed costumes, from a human Christmas tree to Santa's full team of reindeer, have been spotted racing through the frosty streets of Wheaton.

Registration for Race Wheaton is $100, a savings of 20 percent from registering for the races individually. Racers can register now through Tuesday, April 12, at wheatonparkdistrict.com/racewheaton. Registration includes a commemorative shirt, awards and post-race refreshments.