Dash for Dan to honor Itasca man's memory

When Daniel Christophe Jr. died from a tragic motorcycle accident last spring, his mom, Carol, took up walking as a way to deal with her grief.

That's how the idea for the first Dash for Dan 5K event evolved.

"We thought this would be a great way to honor him," said Diane Flaherty, event co-chair.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, more than 300 people are expected to gather at Itasca's St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School, 500 N. Cherry St., to raise funds for a memorial scholarship in Daniel's name. The funds will be given to a family in need.

"We're looking forward for this to be an event that provides the community an opportunity to get together to celebrate his life, his legacy," Flaherty said. "And also just an opportunity for family and friends to come together to support this family."

Breakfast will be available after the race, and there will be prizes for the top three runners in the adult and kids category.

The run will start at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School, north to Elm Street, south to Center Street, east to North Street, west to Country Club Drive, north to Walters Lane, west to Maple Street, south to Bryn Mawr Avenue, west to Catalpa Avenue, south to North Street and east back to the school.

When Dan passed away, he was working on a bachelor's degree in accounting at Northern Illinois University. He was a graduate of Lake Park High School and St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School.

"It's just going to be lots of fun," Flaherty said, "and just a way to hopefully make a little bit of sunshine in the Christophe family's life."

If you go

What: First-ever Dash for Dan, a 5K event

When: 9 a.m. Saturday

Where: St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School, 500 N. Cherry St.

Cost: $30 for adults, $20 for kids 15 and younger

Details: www.dash4dan.com