McHenry County 5K raises funds for area charities

Submitted by United Way of Greater McHenry County

On your mark, get set, go! The McHenry County Human Race is back. The second annual 5K walk/run Human Race will take place at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 15, at 1391 Corporate Park, McHenry. This community event supports a wide variety of nonprofit organizations serving McHenry County. Information about the race can be found at mchumanrace.org or by calling the United Way of Greater McHenry County Volunteer Center at (815) 344-4483.

Registration is now open for race participants. When individuals register for the walk/run race they designate what participating organization receives a portion of their registration fee. The individual also can raise funds for an organization of their choice. Along with helping the organization raise dollars these individuals are also helping the organization qualify for cash prizes.

Cash prizes this year include: the McHenry County Community Foundation Award of $500; $250 to the top fundraising individuals choice organization; $150 to the organization with the most fundraisers; $100 to the organization with the most race participants; and $100 to the organization most improved over last year’s race.

This year’s participating organizations include: 1st Way Pregnancy Support Services, Adult And Child Therapy Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County, Blackhawk Area Council, CASA of McHenry County, Faith In Action of McHenry County, Family Alliance Inc., Family Health Partnership Clinic, Family Service & Community Mental Health Center, Friends of Moraine Hills State Park, Garden Quarter Neighborhood Resource Center, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois, Habitat For Humanity of McHenry County, Helping Paws Animal Shelter, Home of the Sparrow Inc., Hospice & Palliative Care Northeastern Illinois, Main Stay Therapeutic Riding Program, McHenry County College Fitness Center, McHenry County Historical Society, Midwest Lyme Foundation, Northern Illinois Center For Autism, Options & Advocacy, Run For Your Life, The Literacy Connection, Turning Point, Voice Sexual Assault Services, United Way of Greater McHenry Volunteer Center, and Wonder Lake Neighbors Food Pantry.

More are expected to join in the next few weeks.

More than 700 people registered for last year’s race. The Human Race raised more than $71,000 and helped 40 charities serving McHenry County. The race is hosted by nonprofit resources but it takes a community effort to create a successful race.

For more information about the McHenry County Human Race and how to participate or help as a volunteer call (815) 344-4483.