Registration opens for Great Western Freedom 4

Registration is open for runners and walkers to join in the 2017 Great Western Freedom 4 on July 4 to benefit Lazarus House.

Last year, about 400 patriotic participants enjoyed the competition, exercise, and festivities with music, food and local vendors.

Check-in starts at 6:30 a.m. with the race starting at 8 a.m. at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, west of Randall Road in St. Charles.

The run is a competitive 4-mile race on a USATF certified course and is part of the Fox River Trail Runners Circuit. This event also features a 2-mile scenic walk suited for the whole family and a Kids Dash for children up to age 12.

Runners and walkers can register at www.signmeup.com.

Preregistration fee is $25 for the race until May 30, $28 from June 1-July 1.

A $3 preregistration race discount is offered to Fox River Trail Runners, Dick Pond Fast Track, CARA, and Performance Runner members.

Registration for the walk is $20 or free for children, age 9 or younger. Event-day registration is $25 for walkers and $35 for runners. Registration for the Kid Dash is the day of the event with a suggested donation of $5 per child.

All participants are encouraged to help their neighbors in need by collecting pledges for Lazarus House. Forms are available with a link from the registration Web page.

All proceeds benefit Lazarus House, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit emergency shelter, Center for Transitional Living, and outreach program for men, women, and children who are homeless or in crisis from Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, or western rural Kane County.

Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are also available. Information can be found online at www.lazarushouseonline.com or by calling Darlene at (630) 587-2144.