Shelter Inc. run at Busse Woods

Shelter Inc. invites all area runners, walkers, and their families to its third annual 5K/Run Walk 4 Kidz at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Higgins Road entrance to Busse Woods in Elk Grove Village, Groves 5-16. Parking is free. This is a Certified Chicago Area Runner's Association (CARA) race.

"The 5K Run/Walk 4 Kidz is something families can do together, and there is no better way to celebrate the warmer temperatures than being outside with your family," says Carol Brown, Shelter's director of development. "We invite everyone to join us. We're looking forward to a great day, and one that will significantly benefit children, adolescents and first-time parents living in our community."

A day of family-oriented activities is planned. For participants, pre-race refreshments will be served starting at 8 a.m. The 5K Run/Walk for Kidz starts at 9 a.m., and the Kidz Dash, a race designed especially for boys and girls, ages 3-10, begins at 10 a.m.

Everyone can enjoy the scenic Busse Woods USA Track and Field-certified 5K course, wear an official race T-shirt, limber up and cool down in a pre- and post-race stretch tent from First Health Associates, S.C., enjoy delectable pre- and post-race buffets courtesy of Caffé Baci, and receive a special goodie bag.

Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age division and overall top man and woman, and first three boys and girls will win a prize in the Kids Dash.

There will be lots of extras for families attending the race, including crafts, face painting and inflatables for children, prizes, sponsor booths, and a very special awards ceremony.

The race is sponsored by Northwest Community Hospital, Kappa Delta Chicago Northwest Suburban Alumnae Association, Hitachi High Technologies America, Caffé Baci, Rydex Investments, Sportdecals, Runner's High n 'Tri, and Juergen's Chiropractic.

Registration is $25 per person in advance or $30 day of the run for adults. It is $15 for 3- to 16-year-olds. CARA members are eligible for a $2 discount. There are many options available for registration: online at www.signmeup.com/63575 by 7 p.m. April 17; register and packet pick-up April 15-17 at Runner's High 'n Tri, 121 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights; or register the day of the race at Busse Woods.

All mailed entry forms must be postmarked by April 13. Runners who have preregistered will be able to pick up their race packets at Runner's High 'n Tri from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 15-17.

All proceeds from the third annual 5K Run/Walk 4 Kidz benefit Shelter Inc., the only nonprofit, licensed, and accredited child welfare agency in the northwest suburbs providing community-based emergency and longer-term care and housing for children and adolescents, ages birth through 17. Shelter's programs are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For information, contact Shelter's Development Department at (847) 590-6188, ext. 21, or visit www.shelter-inc.org.