Record number step up to run for the arts

The 13th annual Bob Blazier Run for the Arts took place on May 2 under blue skies and warm temperatures.

Named after Bob Blazier, a zealous supporter of the arts, the run is an annual fundraiser for Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake. All of the proceeds benefit Raue Center's programs including Mission Imagination, its visual art galleries, community shows, Sage Studio and season performances.

This year's event was a success with the largest amount of participants ever. With more than 520 registrants, it was an increase of nearly 40 percent over last year.

Along with the classics, there were a few new components as well, including Rosemary's 1-mile walk, the inaugural Community Pancake Breakfast and the unveiling of Raue Center's new mascot Tovar the mouse.

In the 5K, the male first-place finisher was Curtis Weisenberger of McHenry with a time of 0:15:55.5, and the female first-place finisher was Christina Dam of Johnsburg with a time of 0:19:05.3. For Rosemary's 1-mile, the 12-and-under male first place finisher was Ryan Jones with a time of 6:58 and the 12-and-under female first-place finisher was Marisa Monbrod with a time of 6:40. To view a list of all participant times and awards, visit rauecenter.org and select the Bob Blazier Run Race Results in special news and events.

Seventeen teams participated in the team challenges this year with Crystal Lake Bank and Trust taking the top prize for Bob's Corporate Challenge with 33 team members. Winning Rosemary's Family & Friends Challenge was Rosemary's Babes with 21 team members.

To learn more, call (815) 356-9010 or visit rauecenter.org.