Geneva Summer Sunset Races a family affair

Most summers, Doug Jones, a Batavia native and Fox River Trail Runners vice president, runs the Summer Sunset Races' 5k race. This year, though, he will be volunteering and watching from the sidelines as his 15-year-old son participates in the Fox Valley running organization's annual event.

Many families will run together or support a family member during the 14th annual Summer Sunset Races in Geneva. Around 650 to 700 runners are expected at this summer's event, set for Wednesday, July 27, at Geneva Middle School South.

“It's a different kind of race,” Jones said. “There are a lot of families there, and we see a lot more variety from a typical Sunday morning race.”

It is one of three club races set up for the year by Fox River Trail Runners, said organization president Tom Spadafora. Unlike the other two events, Sunset Races is more family oriented.

There are four races: the 5k, Youth Mile, Junior Jog and Toddler Trot. The latter three are for children ages 12 and younger. The 5k awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female winners, as well as the top three winners from each of the following age groups: 0-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70 plus. The Youth Mile awards will be presented to the first five winners in the 0-7, 8-9 and 10-12 age groups.

It's an event that, Spadafora added, not only promotes family bonding but also fitness and a healthier lifestyle.

“When this organization was created years ago (in 1995), they wanted to create more and spread the word about fitness more,” Spadafora said. Shortly after the organization's inception, the club races were formed. Today, more than 400 members participate in promoting the Fox Valley area; activities and benefits include weekly club runs, marathon training and scholarship opportunities.

“I've been running for more than 35 years,” Spadafora said. “This is a part of my blood now.”

Jones, a runner with more than 30 years of experience, knew when he first moved to the Fox Valley area that he needed to continue his passion.

“The club gives you an outlet to be with people who may have the same running styles as you, the same drive as you,” Jones said. “You can easily find someone to be your running partner and find further motivation.”

As of Monday, Spadafora said more than 400 people have signed up, up 20 percent from the same time last year Online registration ends on Sunday, July 24; register at frtr.org or register on race day starting at 5:30 p.m. up until 20 minutes before race time.

The Jamie LaForce Youth Mile starts at 6:15 p.m., the Junior Jog at 6:30 p.m., the Toddler Trot at 6:45 p.m. and the 5k at 7:15 p.m. Race fees for the 5k are $25 before July 24 and $30 on race day. According to a news release, the Youth Mile is $13, the Junior Jog is $7 and the Toddler Trot is $5.

Summer Sunset Races will be held Wednesday at the Geneva Middle School South complex, 1415 Viking Dr. in Geneva. All proceeds of the Summer Sunset Races will go to the organization's youth scholarship fund, which, Spadafora added, aids on average one to four college freshmen or sophomore students in the organization.

For details, visit frtr.org.

If you go

What: Fox River Trail Runners' 14th annual Summer Sunset Races

When: Wednesday, July 27. Jamie LaForce Youth Mile starts at 6:15 p.m., Junior Jog at 6:30 p.m., Toddler Trot at 6:45 p.m., and 5K at 7:15 p.m.

Where: Geneva Middle School South Complex, 1415 Viking Drive, Geneva

How much: Race fees are $25 for the 5K before Sunday, July 24, $30 on race day; Youth Mile is $13, Junior Jog is $7 and Toddler Trot is $5

Details: Go to frtr.org to register before July 24. Race day registration is from 5:30 p.m. until 20 minutes before race time.