Mother’s Day race helps homeless families

More than 1,000 women — daughters, mothers and grandmothers — ran in the annual Run Like A Mother race in Hinsdale on Sunday, affirming motherhood and raising money for an organization that helps DuPage County’s homeless families.

Ten such races were held around the country on Mother’s Day. This was the second year in which the Chicago suburbs hosted one, following last year’s inaugural event in Naperville.

“We hope to be here for a long time,” said Maggie Barney, a local organizer.

The Run Like A Mother event began with a 1-mile children’s race. Then a women-only 5K race began with women of all ages, from college students to retirees, participating.

Barney said the idea of the event, started by former Naperville resident Megan Searfoss, is to “fuel and empower” women and mothers.

“This is the day of the year when a mother’s children and family take time out to really cheer her on,” Barney said. “A race like this is a great way to add to that feeling and really celebrate what it is to be a woman.”

The race also raised money for Bridge Communities, a Glen Ellyn-based agency that helps families transition out of homelessness and into self-sufficiency.

When the starting horn blew, plenty of fathers and children lined the street and clapped and shouted for their loved ones in the race. The race site included an area where children could create signs supporting their mothers.

Western Springs resident Mike McCarthy attended the race with his three daughters, ages 2, 5 and 6, to cheer on his wife, Heather.

“She’s a big runner, but I don’t think she’s done this race before,” McCarthy said. “My daughters were very excited. They got their faces painted and are ready to wave their signs.”

The winner of Sunday’s race was Jennifer Garrison of Naperville, who finished with a time of roughly 19 minutes, 50 seconds. Garrison, who also ran in last year’s race, was greeted at the finish line by her family, which includes three children, ages 7, 4 and 2 months.

Garrison said that while she’s partial to triathlons, Sunday’s 5K race was a fun experience for her.

“It’s great to finish and then be able to hold my 2-month-old,” she said.

The event had a festive atmosphere. Many of the runners received bouquets of flowers from their families when they crossed the finish line. Live music was provided by several bands from the Downers Grove-based Rock Academy.