2017 Bonfield Express attracts over 6,200 Thanksgiving celebrants to downtown Downers Grove
The chilly morning air couldn't dampen the community spirit in Downers Grove this Thanksgiving as runners and walkers gathered early on the downtown streets and sidewalks to participate in the 14th annual Bonfield Express 5K. One of the most popular years ever, the race attracted 6,260 registrants.
The top male finishers in the 2017 Bonfield Express 5K were: 1) Jeremy Craven of Downers Grove, IL; 2) Brett Lustgarten of Carol Stream, IL; and 3) Aaron Silver of Phoenix, AZ. The top female finishers were 1) Abigail Lopez of Summit Argo, IL; 2) Alyssa Poremba of Chicago, and 3) Kyleigh Spearing of Frankfort, IL.
One of the largest annual events held in Downers Grove, the race is now a Thanksgiving morning tradition in this charming western suburb. The USATF certified course winds its way through the downtown streets and scenic side roads of Downers Grove.
Area high school students are heavily involved in the race, some as race participants and others who lend their support as volunteers. A quartet of Downers Grove North singers, Cecilia Kowara, Jack Langan, Lindsey LeBeda and Brendan Quealy, sang the national anthem. Amelia Oskorep, a student at Edgewood Elementary School in Woodridge, sounded the train whistle that serves as the official start of the race.
The Downers Grove North Trojan mascot and the Downers Grove South Mustang mascot were there to liven up the morning while Jo's Corner, a Downers Grove North combo, greeted racers as they crossed the finish line.
Race participants socialized at a post-race party held in the Downers Grove Parking Garage immediately following the race. The event featured complimentary fruit, water and protein bars provided by Fresh Thyme Farmer's Market of Downers Grove and coffee provided by Peet's Coffee & Tea.
The race began in 2004 to honor the memory of Downers Grove South father, teacher, dean and coach Jim Bonfield. Funds generated through the race provide scholarship assistance to select students who reflect his personal example of character, commitment and love of community.
Since 2004, the Bonfield Express Foundation has distributed more than $400,000 in scholarships to 182 west suburban seniors attending high school at Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, Hinsdale Central, Hinsdale South, Lisle, and Westmont High Schools.
In recent years, the Bonfield Express Foundation has also donated $1,000 to each of the 20 schools in Downers Grove District 58 and Woodridge District 68 to recognize students who demonstrate a love of learning, and exhibit extra effort and/or good citizenship.
The Bonfield Express Foundation also supports Community District 99's Special Services Department's multi-needs program with a $10,000 donation to recognize student love of learning.