Light the Torch Run raises money for charity
It's not the winter holidays yet, but you can get in the spirit of giving during the Light the Torch 5K Night Run, which dedicates a portion of the proceeds to the FT Cares Foundation that focuses on a different charitable area each month.
The timed race takes place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at 120 E. Liberty St., Wheaton.
The pre-party kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with an inflatable slide, DJ, food truck, glow giveaways and complimentary Flow and Glow Yoga class from NEXT Yoga from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Then runners stretch their muscles and crack their glow sticks to shine as the race starts at 7 p.m.
Luminaria lanes line the race route through Wheaton, and many runners wear fluorescent bracelets, headbands, shirts, socks and other accessories to light up the night.
"I love when runners get into the spirit of the event and dress up with all the glow accessories they can find," said Nicole Kapala, events coordinator at the Wheaton Park District, which partners with FT Cares Foundation in presenting the race.
"Last year, we had quite a few runners with glow sticks, wristbands, headbands and face paint."
Leanne Snavely finished first in her age category in 2014, the race's inaugural year.
"The volunteers and sponsors made sure we were decked out in glow sticks as we ran, and some neighbors even decorated their front yards with lights and music as we ran by," she said. "I liked that it was a fun run, but also timed for those of us with a little competitive edge."
Snavely also appreciated the event's charitable nature.
"It was both a unique and creative concept for a race, as well as a run that donates proceeds to charity," she said. "I always try to pick out races that support a charity or foundation that has an impact on our local community."
A portion of the race's proceeds benefits the FT Cares Foundation, which works to transform lives locally, nationally and globally. Every month, the foundation focuses on a different charitable area of impact, from children's health and welfare in March to Sept. 11 memorials and survivor support in September.
More than $300,000 was donated to charities local and worldwide in 2015.
"This is our third year partnering with the FT Cares Foundation and we could not be more excited," said Kristina Nemetz, the park district's superintendent of marketing and special events.
"The FT Cares Foundation does such great work in the community - through DuPage PADS, Normal Moments, Operation Support Our Troops, and Send a Smile, to name a few, and we're honored to be a part of their charitable work."
To learn about the FT Cares Foundation, visit ftcaresfoundation.org.
Before Monday, Sept. 26, registration for the Light the Torch 5K Night Run is $35 per person, $30 per person in a team of four or more, and $20 per child (10 and younger). Registration includes a reflector run shirt for the first 800 runners, pre-party, race, and post-race refreshments.
To learn more, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/lightthetorch. For questions, contact race director Ryan Miller at rmiller@wheatonparks.org or (630) 510-5135.