Human Race benefits 72 DuPage charities

As they lined up Saturday morning, every participant in the DuPage Human Race had one of two goals: run 5K or walk 2K for their favorite cause.

But as they crossed the finish line one by one, each could take pride in knowing they'd actually taken steps toward accomplishing 72 goals.

Unlike most charity runs that benefit a single organization, the DuPage Human Race raises money for any nonprofit at work in DuPage County that doesn't have a race of its own.

As they signed up for the fifth annual DuPage Human Race, each of the hundreds of runners and walkers chose which of the 72 participating nonprofits would receive their race fees and donations.

Proceeds from the Human Race will help stock pantry shelves, provide education and recreation opportunities for special needs populations, see families through tight financial times, counsel individuals, encourage healthy lifestyles, protect our furry friends and more.

See dupagehumanrace.org for a list of participating organizations.

The race is organized by Giving DuPage, itself a nonprofit agency that works to encourage voluntarism in DuPage County by connecting potential volunteers and donors with local organizations that need their contributions and talent.

To learn about volunteer opportunities, visit givingdupage.org.