Inaugural Oktoberfast race in Itasca to benefit Marklund

Itasca's Usher Park is no stranger to special events, and this October three community organizations will add a new 5K to the lineup.

On Oct. 3, the Itasca Knights of Columbus, Itasca Lions Club and Itasca Runners will sponsor the first Oktoberfast race to benefit Marklund Children's Charities. Marklund helps children with profound developmental disabilities by providing therapy programs and housing.

Oktoberfast will fill the void of the former Salute Race, a 5K sponsored by the Itasca Knights of Columbus to benefit Salute Inc., which helps military members and their families. Ed Izzy, both an Itasca Knight and Lion, said Salute did not ask the Knights to continue the race.

Salute Inc. benefited, however, from Itasca's world record-breaking Subaru parade earlier this month during Itasca Fest. And Salute's Nightingale Program, which aids wounded servicemen and women, will benefit again on Aug. 29 from the Run from the Cops 5K, also happening in Usher Park.

"They've gone elsewhere for their fundraising needs," Izzy said. "So this is something new and I cannot think of a better organization to support than Marklund."

Izzy is a board member at Marklund and has helped other fundraising efforts for the organization in the past. He said all of the sponsors hope to make Oktoberfast and annual event that will include not only the race, but a seasonal bratwurst and beer celebration following the run.

Although signup for the race just began this week, Marklund organizers and Izzy both say they are receiving a lot of positive feedback, especially from DuPage County runners clubs.

"The excitement is there," said Jeanine Zuppo of Marklund.

For details or to register for Oktoberfast, visit itasca5k.org.