Downtown Wheaton to glow for Light the Torch night run

As the sun sets in the autumn sky on Friday, Sept. 29, the FT Cares Light the Torch Night Run/Walk will be back for its fourth year in downtown Wheaton.

"The Light the Torch Night Run has become more than just a run - it's now an event. Every year the number of runners and walkers, including kids of all ages, has grown," said Lisa Weier, director of development for the FT Cares Foundation. "We've continued to enhance the event each year by adding more glow giveaways, a Kids Zone with face painting, food trucks and, this year, an amazing laser show. There are plenty of reasons to bring the whole family and enjoy a fun Friday evening in downtown Wheaton."

The event takes place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at 120 E. Liberty St. The race, in conjunction with the Wheaton Park District, will feature four illuminated lanes and end with a laser light show to synchronized music spotlighting the final stretch to the finish line. The event will conclude with a street fest featuring Mario's Cart and Piko Street Kitchen food trucks, and an after-party at Kilwins Wheaton.

Race registration is $40 for adults, $25 for children 10 and younger.

Those not running or walking the 5K can join the pre-party at 5:30 p.m., as well as the street fest. Both are free.

Also on-site the night of the event will be four of FT Cares Foundation's charitable partners: Voices of September 11, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, CASA Kane County, and The Hundred Club of DuPage. Each will share in a portion of the race proceeds.

Voices of September 11 continues to address the long-term needs of those impacted by the 2001 terrorism, commemorates the 2,977 lives lost, and helps communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from other acts of mass violence and disasters.

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is the world's largest nonprofit solely dedicated to the pediatric brain tumor community, serving the more than 28,000 children and teens in the United States who are living with a brain tumor diagnosis.

CASA Kane County recruits, trains and supervises community volunteers who serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates and Guardians ad Litem for children who are in court due to abuse, neglect or private guardianship with the goal of ensuring that every child is placed in a safe and permanent home.

The Hundred Club of DuPage County is dedicated to helping families of first responders by offering financial assistance to the families of law enforcement and firefighting personnel who have been killed, injured or otherwise stricken while residing or working in the county.

For information and to register, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com.