Residents encouraged to decorate homes for Wheaton 5K

This year's Light the Torch run in downtown Wheaton isn't just about the runners.

Residents who live along the 5K route are encouraged to decorate their homes with lights and decorations that will brighten the path for the nighttime race on Friday, Sept. 25.

"We really wanted to try to get the community more involved this year and we thought that was a great way to do it," said Lisa Weier, director of development for First Trust Portfolio's FT Cares Foundation, which hosts the event with Wheaton Park District.

The race begins at 7 p.m. on Liberty Drive, just west of Cross Street. The longest stretches of the route are on Illinois Street between Cross Street and Prospect Avenue; Prospect Avenue between Illinois Street and Avery Avenue; and Crescent Street between Blanchard Street and Washington Street. It also travels on parts of Willow Avenue and Reber Street.

Anyone interested in participating in the house decorating contest should submit an entry form, available on the park district's website, by Monday. Everyone who enters will be in the running for $100, $50 and $25 American Express gift certificates and recognition at the post-race ceremony.

As for race participants, organizers are hopeful to draw about 750 people of all ages. A family-friendly party featuring food trucks, a DJ, glow giveaways, inflatable play areas and a face painter will begin at 5:30 p.m. outside the First Trust offices at 120 E. Liberty Drive.

"It's kind of a carnival atmosphere," Weier said. "There's something for everyone. It's a great way to start the weekend."

Weier said the race takes place at night to play off the FT Cares Foundation's torch logo, which she said signifies the "light inside all of us and the spirit inside everybody" to get involved in the community.

Proceeds from the race - which costs $35 for individuals, $30 for teams of four or more, and $20 for children age 10 and younger - will go toward several Wheaton Park District facilities, including Cosley Zoo, the DuPage Historical Museum and the Play for All Playground.

The FT Foundation also will donate money raised at the event to Clare Woods Academy in downtown Wheaton, Almost Home Kids, a Naperville-based nonprofit that provides transitional care to children with complicated health needs, and By The Hand Club, a Chicago after-school program.