Racing for a cause: Elgin Foxtrot raises money for youth programs
Signing up for a race never felt so good.
For over 30 years, Elgin Fox Trot participants have taken comfort in the knowledge that their registration fee allows them not only a place in the race of their choice, but will also provide much needed contributions to a scholarship fund that allows local children lacking the financial means to sign up for Elgin Parks and Recreation programs.
The Fox Trot, now in its 32nd year, will be held Monday, May 25 and will feature a 10-mile run, 5K and 2-mile fun walk. All proceeds from the race entry fees will go toward the Elgin Youth Scholarship Fund, established in 1993 to provide funding for families who cannot afford to sign their children up for park district programs.
"We want to get the word out that the Fox Trot itself is a fundraiser for our Youth Scholarship Fund," said Cherie Murphy, marketing officer for the city manager's office. "It's important to know that even if you're not a runner, for families to just come out and do the fun walk helps us raise money."
According to Murphy, last year the Youth Scholarship Fund gave out over $42,000 to children in need.
"It's a beautiful walk that helps us raise money for needy kids," Murphy said, speaking about the fun walk which, along with the 10-mile and 5K race events, will take participants on a trip through Elgin along the Fox River.
Corporations are also invited to join in on the activities and sponsor a team in the fun walk's "Corporate Challenge." For the $150 entrance fee companies can sponsor a team of up to 25 members and compete for prizes in contests such as best dressed, best company mascot and most patriotic.
From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. the Kiwanis Club will also provide an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast in the Hemmens Cultural Center for spectators and participants alike. Tickets for the breakfast cost $6 and can be purchased on race day at the Hemmens.
The Elgin Community College School of Massage Therapy will also be present on race day providing free massages for racers at 11 a.m. at the Hemmens.
Notably absent this year will be the Rib Fest, a long time Fox Trot staple. According to Murphy, budget constraints contributed to the elimination of the Fest.
"We had to eliminate (the Rib Fest) in large part due to the cost of putting it on; it's very expensive," she said. "We would like to see it come back."
Despite the absence of the Rib Fest, fresh fruit and other refreshments will be offered to race participants at the finish line.
The 10-mile race begins at 8 a.m. sharp, followed by the 5K which begins at 8:05 a.m. and the fun walk which begins at 8:10 a.m. Both the races and walk start at Elgin City Hall, located at 150 Dexter Court in downtown Elgin.
For information, call (847) 531-7005 or visit www.cityofelgin.com.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> 32nd annual Elgin Fox Trot 10-mile and 5K races, including a 2-mile fun walk</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> Monday, May 25. Race registration from 6:15 to 7:30 a.m. The 10-mile race begins at 8 a.m., 5K race begins at 8:05 a.m. and the 2-mile fun walk begins at 8:10 a.m. </p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> The race begins at Elgin City hall at 150 Dexter Court</p> <p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> 10-mile race entry is $25 ($30 on race day), 5K entry is $25 ($35 on race day) and 2-mile fun walk entry is $10 per person, $30 per family and $150 per company team. </p> <p class="News"><b>Details:</b> (847) 531-7005 or <a href="http://www.cityofelgin.org" target="new">www.cityofelgin.org</a></p>