Join annual 5K run/walk for the river in St. Charles
The St. Charles River Corridor Foundation invites community members to sign up for the 6th Annual Bob Leonard 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Turtle Hurdle Saturday, Aug. 11, at Pottawatomie Park.
This event is the primary fundraising activity for the organization, which concentrates on riverfront projects and improving the health and aesthetics of the Fox River.
The Turtle Hurdle, an obstacle course for children, is a new event this year.
“This is our sixth year hosting this event and each year we’ve not only accomplished our fundraising goals, but with the help of the community, volunteers, local businesses, the city of St. Charles, the St. Charles Park District and generosity of our sponsors, we’ve continued to increase participation,” said Jennifer Biddle, president of the River Corridor Foundation.
“We thought it would be a great addition to add an event geared toward children to encourage physical activity which challenges them and fosters friendly competition. Now there is something for everybody; even your dog is encouraged to come and socialize on the walk.”
The Bob Leonard 5K Run begins at 8 a.m. The professionally timed course is USATF-certified and the finish line is also in Pottawatomie Park. Medals and prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group in addition to the best overall time finishers.
Families with pets and strollers are welcome to participate in the Walk starting at 9:30 a.m. The 2½-mile route begins and ends in Pottawatomie Park. Walkers are lead through downtown St. Charles into Mount St. Mary Park to view the Sculptures in the Park exhibition and scenic outlook points along the river.
Boys and girls ages 4-11 can participate in the Colonial Café Kids’ Turtle Hurdle Obstacle Course. This event starts at 10:30 a.m. and will challenge kids with five different obstacles. Each participant will have an opportunity to test run the course before a timed trial run. All kids will receive a T-shirt, participation ribbon and goody bag full of souvenirs.
All participants are invited to a party at the grand pavilion after the walk with live music, food and prize drawings valued over $4,000.00.
Early registration is encouraged at www.Signmeup.com/81922. For information about The River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles and for additional registration forms, visit www.stcrivercorridor.org.