Scarecrow Scramble 5K Oct. 17

Muffled mummies, ghastly ghosts and wacky witches will scurry along with other participants Saturday, Oct. 17, at the fifth annual Scarecrow Scramble.

Many competitors will don Halloween costumes for this unusual 5K race/walk that takes place in the evening on a course lit by luminarias. More than a race, the Scarecrow Scramble event includes music, hayrides, a bonfire, hot chocolate and costume contest.

"We encourage everyone to come in costume," said Kim Brondyke, committee chairman. "Not only will it add to the fun, but we will have prizes for the top three costumes."

One of Brondyke's favorite prizewinning costumes was a family of spiders carrying a rope web. Another was a brother and sister duo dressed as a renegade hospital patient running from a nurse carrying a super-sized syringe.

Brondyke estimates a third of the adult runners wear costumes, but most of the 100 younger participants wear them. It may be a bit of a challenge to concoct a costume that is easy to run in, but that just adds to the fun.

Even being on the planning committee is fun, Brondyke said. Most of the 10-member committee has been together since the race's inception in 2005. Members represent Partners for Parks as well as the Lisle Community Character Alliance, or Character Counts. The two groups share proceeds and use the funds to support their philanthropic activities in the community.

"The first year, we began with just shy of 200 participants," Brondyke said. "Last year there were 498 plus all the other family members that come out. We love those families and enjoy having them come."

Activities begin at 4 p.m. with the hayride, race-day registration and all packet pickups. The costume contest is at 5 p.m. for all ages.

The run/walk is divided into three categories. The Tot Run, for ages 3 to 6, is a 50-yard dash at 5:30 p.m. The Youth Run, for ages 7 to 11, steps off at 5:45 p.m. on a half-mile loop. The 5K begins at 6:30 p.m. with nine age groups: 9 and under, 10 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69 and 70 and over.

"Every year we have participants in the 70 and over age group," Brondyke explained.

All tot racers will receive a ribbon. Other ages receive medals for first, second and third place winners, two trophies for the overall male and female best times and two trophies for the master's award going to the top male and female over 40.

The race is sanctioned by the Chicago Area Runners Association, which embodies the highest standards for quality, safety and comfort for participants. It denotes a premiere running experience. The complete course layout is at scarecrowscramble.com.

The race will begin and end in front of Lisle High School, 1800 Short St., west of Route 53 and east of Yackley Avenue, and will proceed throughout Lisle Community Park.

Advance registration is $25 per adult for the run/walk at scarecrowscramble.com or at the Lisle Park District offices, 1825 Short St. Advance registration is $20 for the Youth Run and $8 for the Tot Dash. There is no charge for children under the age of 10 walking with their parents in the 5K. Race day prices increase to $30 for the 5K and $25 for the youth run; tots remain at $8.

Each paid participant will receive a raffle ticket to place in a "choose your prize" container, said Lisa Leone, a committee member from Partners for Parks. Prizes include gift certificates, savings bonds, stuffed animals and more.

"We are fortunate to have the support of our local businesses with this event," Leone said.

Major sponsor Evviva! Bar and Eatery in Lisle will provide post-race pizza for race participants.

New for 2009, all 5K runners will be chip-timed with computerized finish results posted at kompusport.com immediately following the race.

"A 5K is a fun run for participants because it is a challenge at a faster pace," said Brondyke, a marathon runner. "It is an accomplishment. We include the walk so those who do not want to run can still participate."

All proceeds benefit Partners for Parks and Character Counts.

"The number one priority for Partners for Parks is providing scholarship funding for families who otherwise could not afford to participate in recreation programs," Leone said.

The organization also forms a working relationship between the park district and the community to enhance, promote, beautify and protect the parks and natural resources.

Character Counts in Lisle is a partnership of community leaders and volunteers working to encourage, advocate and model the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Character Counts, along with its In-Touch committee, sponsors Red Ribbon Week in Lisle from Oct. 23 to 31. Watch for local students' poster art at Lisle businesses to highlight the pillars as well as drug, tobacco and alcohol prevention awareness. Winning posters will receive cash prices at a Lisle village board meeting in November.

Although all three take a different approach - Scarecrow Scramble, Partners for Parks and Character Counts - each contributes countless volunteer hours toward making Lisle the real winner.

• Joan Broz writes about Lisle in Neighbor. E-mail her at jgbroz@yahoo.com.

Scarecrow Scramble

When: Fest begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17; Tot Run at 5:30 p.m.; Youth Run at 5:45 p.m.; 5K at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Lisle High School, 1800 Short St., and surrounding Community Park

Cost: $25 for adults, $20 for youth, $8 for tots in advance; $5 more for adults and youth on race day

Register: scarecrowscramble.com or at Lisle Park District, 1825 Short St.

Info: (630) 964-3410