Runners stampede through Naperville

While most streets in Naperville laid quiet Sunday morning, a stampede of almost 1,000 people rushed along Ferry Road.

Friends, families, school groups and teams raced around the headquarters of Calamos Investments to raise money for NCO Youth and Family Services in its Spring Ahead 5K Street and 10K Trail Run.

Proceeds from the event benefit NCO, which offers programs for teens and young adults in Naperville and surrounding suburbs. Their services include counseling, school Snowball programs, guidance for young parents and a shelter for boys and young men in transition.

Organizers say the race, which is in its ninth year, always attracts loyal supporters, even from other non-profit organizations.

Sunday's racers included a team of nine -- including three wheelchair riders -- from the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association.

"We just love supporting them," said Ashley Summers, a program coordinator for the association.

Other tried-and-true supporters convinced their friends to run for NCO's cause.

Kennia Robinson of Naperville heard one of her co-workers talk about how NCO's programs had helped her in the past, so she was sold.

"I checked it out online and thought it would be a good cause to support," she said.

The length and setting of the run also draws people training for more challenging events. NCO Executive Director Ronald Hume said that's part of the goal, too, and that's why organizers were excited to host the run at the new Calamos campus this year.

Hume said Sunday was the first time the 10K run was filled to capacity at 500 runners.

Calamos employees also caught the spirit of the fundraiser. Not only did many run or walk, but workers like Laura Rawls of Warrenville joined the race crew to help keep the event running smoothly.

"We just like to be a part of the community and give back, especially since a lot of us live right here," Rawls said.