Annie Ryan Run helps children fighting brain tumors

Runners will have the chance to help raise funds for children fighting brain tumors Sunday, May 16, at the 10th annual Annie Ryan Run in Elmhurst.

In addition to the 5K race, a special Kids Running For Kids one-mile course will be available - all to benefit the Midwest Children's Brain Tumor Center of Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital.

Brain tumors are the most common of solid tumors in children and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths - behind leukemia - in youngsters.

Sunday's activities also include face painting, raffle prizes and ice cream. Preregistration events are available from today through Friday, May 14, at The Runner's Soul Athletics, 124 N. York St., Elmhurst.

The 5K mile run begins at 9 a.m. at York Road and South Street and proceeds along a course that includes a portion of the Illinois Prairie Path. The entry fee is $20 for preregistered participants or $25 on race day.

The Kids Running for Kids one-mile dash is for children in grades one through eight and begins at 9:45 a.m. The registration fee is $12.

Check-in for both races is from 7 to 8:45 a.m. at the registration tent.

The run was established by the family of former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan and his wife, Marie, in honor of their daughter, Annie Marie Ryan, who died at age 12 from a brain tumor.

The Annie Ryan Run has raised more than $500,000 to date. Funds from this year's race will be directed toward the MCBTC's Family Support Program, which offers support sessions, meal passes, temporary housing and parking tokens for families of children undergoing treatment as well as outings to sporting events and other local attractions.

For details on the run, call (847) 723.5183 or visit www.annierun.com.