Support U-46 students in need with Let's Move Elgin 5K

On Sunday, Oct. 1, Elgin Area School District U-46 invites the community to lace up for a walk/run that supports students across the district. The third annual event, known as "Let's Move Elgin," promotes a healthy lifestyle, and raises money for U-46 Project Access, which supports students in homeless situations across the district.

"The goal of the program is to remove barriers for students to enroll, attend, and succeed in school," said Maggie Schroeder, U-46 Coordinator of Project Access. "We do whatever we can to help students who are in homeless situations to have every opportunity and chance for success in school."

Project Access supports more than 800 U-46 students in temporary living situations in any given school year. Monetary donations made to Project Access helps students to participate in extracurricular activities and provides supplies for projects. A portion of the proceeds from Let's Move Elgin will provide life necessities and set up programs for students.

The event will feature a Kids Fun Run, music, food, a special visit from retired professional football players from Chicago and a Battle of the Bands performance. Bands, consisting of middle and/or high school students, will perform beginning at 9 a.m. Students will have the chance to win a $500 gift card to a local music store.

Late registration is from 7 to 7:40 a.m. The Kids Fun Run begins at 7:50 a.m. and the 5KWalk/Run starts off at 8 a.m.

The Battle of the Bands is from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

All events will be held at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin

Registration for the 5K walk/run is $45. U-46 students may register online for free before Wednesday, Sept. 27. Children younger than age 8 interested in participating in the Kids Fun Run should register but there is no charge.

For more information, visit www.letsmoveelgin.com.