St. Patrick's Day 5K supports South Elgin animal shelter
Animal lovers, St. Patrick's Day merrymakers and hardcore runners converged at South Elgin's SEBA Park Sunday for the second St. Pat's Day 5K to benefit Anderson Animal Shelter.
A number of the runners donned Irish-themed garb for the event, which helps kick off the 5K season in the Fox Valley area.
Algonquin resident Michele Barry, pom pons streaming above her head, and her son, Mac Barry, sporting a plaid cap with green horns, contributed to the Irish flavor.
Jim Sullivan of Wausau, Wisconsin, wore a kilt for the event. He was there with his brother, Jack Sullivan of South Elgin. Both were celebrating a reunion of the Sullivan family, which even had a float in Saturday's St. Patrick's Day parade in St. Charles.
"It's a beautiful course," Jim Sullivan said. "Whenever you can run along a river, that's a plus. And the people are just so friendly here."
Holly Alcala, director of development with Anderson Animal Shelter, said the facility earned just under $1,500 at last year's event with 280 runners participating. More than 320 preregistered for this year's run.
"Any amount really is wonderful, because it helps us provide important services and programs to the animals in our care," Alcala said.
The money will pay for medical care, including surgeries and medication, and spay/neuter and training. This year, Alcala said, shelter hopes to adopt out 5,000 animals.
"We have some pretty hefty goals, and with support from the community like this, we hope to achieve them," she said.
Among those running for the cause was Paul Kobos of Streamwood, who wore a necklace of four-leafed clovers while participating in the run for the second time. A regular 5K runner, he said he likes the event because it benefits the animal shelter.
"I have two dogs of my own," he said. "That's the other thing that draws me out here."