1,000+ to run in memory of Walter Payton, raise funds
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Walter Payton and his family lived in Arlington Heights, where legend holds that he trained by running up an old, 92-foot landfill hill on the village's north end.
In recognition of his local roots, officials with the Walter Payton Cancer Fund, based in Schaumburg, mounted a run in his former hometown, matching the distance of his all-time NFL rushing record, 16,726 yards.
This is the fifth year for the Walter Payton 16,726-yard run, and officials say, this is the largest.
More than 1,000 competitors are expected to be on hand for the 8 a.m. start on Saturday, Sept. 13, with on-site registration opening at 6 a.m., both at South Middle School, 400 S. Highland Ave. in Arlington Heights.
Runners may choose the full 16,726 yards, or 9.5 miles, through the surrounding neighborhoods, or a 5K route that will accommodate runners and walkers.
Foundation officials say proceeds support cancer research that has the potential to make an immediate difference in the lives of cancer patients.
"We look to support all types of cancer research, not just liver cancer," says Connie Payton, who will be on hand for the race, along with her son, Jarrett, and possibly her daughter, Brittney.
Payton succumbed to a rare liver disease on Nov. 1, 1999, but his interest in natural healing is reflected in the cancer fund, which seeks research with a focus on the use of complementary medicine combined with conventional therapies.
"When Walter was so sick, we were very strong believers in faith, as well as the benefits of good nutrition and exercise," Connie Payton says. "We felt that made a difference in Walter's quality of life, and so we look for grants that have that component."
Still, race officials say fundraising was only part of the event's initial goal.
"It was always meant to be a celebration for the village," says Lois Conklin of Mount Prospect, interim president of the Walter Payton Cancer Foundation. "There was never a mandatory fundraising component. We just wanted people to be able to run, in Walter's memory."
Still, in its first year, the race drew just over 200 participants and raised about $24,000, Conklin says. This year, they have added an optional fundraising pledge sheet on the foundation's Web site, and have seen an immediate impact.
"We've had a tremendous response," Conklin says. "Our goal this year, is to raise $100,000."
Participants may still sign up for the event, and pick up their race packets through 7 p.m. today, Sept. 12, at Runners High 'n' Tri, 121 W. Campbell St. in Arlington Heights, or visit www.payton34.org.