Payton fundraiser a real rush

Steve Nusser grew up watching Walter Payton set the record for career rushing yards -- 16,726 -- during his days with the Chicago Bears.

On Saturday, the 38-year-old Nusser retraced Payton's steps, so to speak. Nusser, of Geneva, was the overall winner of the fourth annual Walter Payton Run, a charity fundraiser that took place in the residential neighborhoods around South Middle School in Arlington Heights.

Orange and blue balloons dotted the school's campus while fans -- including many wearing Payton jerseys -- posed in front of a giant Wheaties box set up in the finishing area.

"When I was growing up, he was the best," Nusser said after the race. "I loved watching him in the Super Bowl."

Nusser led the 385 runners in the 9.5-mile run with a time of 52 minutes and 43 seconds. Kathy Rink, 41, of St. Charles, was the first woman across, finishing with a time of 59.11.

In all, 910 participants turned out for the event, which also included 399 participants in the 5K run and walk, as well as 42 relay teams, or 126 people running 3.2-mile legs of the 9.5-mile run.

Steve Kane, 27, of Addison was the overall 5K winner, with an unofficial time of 17.58, while Lisa Anderson of Arlington Heights won the women's draw with a time of 22.36.

Both Nusser and Kane said they were using the event to train for next month's Chicago Marathon, but seeing signs along the route with Payton's statistics -- including rushing touchdowns, interceptions and receiving yards -- kept them going.

Neil Seufert of Chicago and his relay team of Diane and William Ferguson of Morton Grove even carried a football while they ran, drawing cheers from people along the route.

"If Walter could do it, so can we," William Ferguson quipped.

Payton's wife, Connie, and his daughter, Brittney, were on hand to meet with finishers and award them their medals. All proceeds from the race, expected to top $50,000, were earmarked for the Walter Payton Cancer Fund.

"It's exciting to see it grow so much," Connie Payton said. "It's a great way to raise money, since every cent we raise is going to research. Everything's been totally underwritten by Allstate."

Payton added that the race is the only fundraiser organized by officials with the Walter Payton Cancer Fund, based in Schaumburg.

"We could have had a big dinner dance, but a race is so much better," Connie Payton added. "It's about health and wellness, and it keeps Walter's memory alive."