A family affair: Arlington Heights Rotary’s annual 5K Santa Walk/Run attracts 2,000+ multi-generational enthusiasts
A year ago, Gina Tolan and Daniel Browne saw each other for the first time at the Rotary Club of Arlington Heights’ annual Santa Run after meeting on a dating app a few days earlier.
Tolan, an Arlington Heights resident who ran cross country in high school, jokingly suggested they meet and run the race together. Browne, a high school sprinter and California transplant, agreed.
That was their first date.
On Saturday, the 20-something couple marked one year together by running in the Rotary Club’s 18th 5K Santa Run/Walk fundraiser. They joined more than 2,000 other enthusiasts, most of whom sported Santa suits and hats and other festive apparel.
“It’s fun,” said Tolan. “You look silly but everyone else does too.”
The couple plan to run next year, but Browne intends to approach the race differently than he did the last two years.
“Next year, I will prepare,” he said.
Organizers expect to raise between $70,000 and $80,000 from the race, which the Rotary Club will donate to Arlington Heights nonprofits in the form of grants. This year marks the first time that runner/walker fees have covered 100% of race expenses, said club President John Kent. That means more money for the 20 beneficiaries who will receive up to $2,000 each.
Kathy Hopkins has participated as a walker for about 15 years. This year, the Arlington Heights resident watched from the sidewalk as six nieces and nephews ran.
“I love this,” she exclaimed. “Going through the neighborhoods and meeting people … Everyone saying ‘hi.’ It’s so pleasant.”
The first male to cross the finish line was 14-year-old Johan Gonzalez, a John Hersey High School student from Mount Prospect hoping to win a spot on his high school track team next spring.
In her fourth Santa run, Arlington Heights mother of two and marathoner Katie Anstandig posted the best time for a female, 18 minutes, 14 seconds.
Arlington Heights grandmother Cindy Kuffel planned to walk in her 5th Santa run with her granddaughter. But when the girl got the flu, Kuffel's daughter, Amanda Andrews, stepped in.
“Have you ever seen this many Santas?” said Kuffel laughing.
Equally impressive is the number of bystanders who cheer on the runner/walkers with hot chocolate and holiday music, said Kuffel who calls the residents’ response gratifying.
Julia Stenzel and her family drove with their dog, Kilu, from Grayslake to run with seven family members. Post-race they were headed to mother-in-law Joyce Stenzel’s Arlington Heights home for soup and sandwiches.
“It’s a kick-off to the holiday season for the whole crew,” said Julia Stenzel.
“I love how the town lights up with the holiday spirit,” added Joyce Stenzel. “A street full of Santas, how can anyone be sad?”
At the finish line, first-timer Roberta Scavello imitated Olympians and took a selfie biting her medal (which organizers bestow on all participants).
“I always wanted to do it,” said Scavello of the race.
“We'll make it a family tradition,” said the Arlington Heights resident whose son and husband also participated.
Maybe Tolan and Browne will do the same.