Race alone, with dog in Round Lake charity runs
The Round Lake Area Park District is sponsoring two races Sept. 9 to get people moving and help two area organizations to reap the benefits.
The day will start with the seventh annual "On the Run" 5K run and walk starting at 8 a.m. at the park district's community center, 814 Hart Road, Round Lake.
Then at noon, runners will once again hit village streets -- this time with their four-legged friends in the "Woof, Bark Run and Walk."
"Some people do go to both," said assistant director Peggy Dohr. "We have people who will go run in the morning and then come back with their dog and run again."
The goal of "On the Run" is to support Special Olympics athletes in the Round Lake area.
Each year, the race has raised about $2,000 to support the Special Recreation Association of Round Lake. Dohr said the money is used toward equipment, transportation and other costs to support athletes who compete in basketball, track and field, volleyball and bowling.
Race day packets can be picked up from 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Sept. 7 or 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 8 at the community center. Or runners may pick up their packet the day of the race at the sports center.
The cost when registering in advance is $20 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. If signing up at the race, the cost is $25 for adults and $12 for children.
An awards ceremony will follow the race. Top finishers in 26 age categories will be recognized, as well as overall male and female winners.
"What's nice about the event is the Special Olympics athletes will come to the event and will be part of the award ceremony," she said.
At the "Woof, Bark Walk and Run," the focus is on the animals.
Receiving the proceeds from the third annual event will be the park district's Prairie Grass Nature Museum.
The museum staff is trained to rehabilitate and care for animals that are dropped off at the museum. These include ducks, squirrels, chipmunks, baby birds, prairie dogs and turtles. The staff then try to find a permanent home.
"Our job is not to house all these types of animals," she said. "They stay with us until we find placement that is best for the animal."
The cost to care for and feed the animals can be expensive, particularly if a veterinarian is needed, Dohr said.
The race will begin and end at the sports center, 2004 Municipal Way, Round Lake Beach. All dogs must be on leashes and have proof of current vaccinations.
The cost is $12 per dog and $6 for an additional dog from the same family to join. All animals will receive medals and goodie bags, and owners receive T-shirts.
For more information, call the park district at (847) 546-8558 or visit the district Web site at www.rlapd.org.