Walk with friends at Dundee Road Race
"Walking"- the act of putting one foot in front of the other in order to get somewhere. People are doing more walking this year. Some are doing it for health reasons like to improve heart rate, increase muscle strength or lose a few pounds. Others are doing it for economic reasons. With the price of gasoline at record levels, those of us "within walking distance" of banks, stores and the post office are taking a little hike rather than a drive.
In September, you will have an opportunity to walk with friends and neighbors to improve both your spirit and your community at the Dundee Road Race.
The Dundee Road Race will take place the morning of Sept. 14, during Heritage Fest and is an annual event that raises money for charity. This year, it will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township, an organization that provides after-school activities and tutoring at four different sites for more than 1,000 youngsters. It also organizes both soccer and basketball programs in season.
During this summer, the Boys and Girls Club has had all-day programs that provide fun like swimming at Dolphin Cove, going to baseball games and going on field trips to Chicago to see Navy Pier or some of the museums. All of these events enrich the young members' lives and keep them in a safe environment.
You will be able to select how much of an athlete you want to be at the Dundee Road Race as three options are available - the 5K, the 1 Miler Walk/Run, and the Kids' Dash for ages 4-10. All races for adults begin at 8:30 a.m. and end in East Dundee by the Anvil Club and the Depot. The 5K and the 1-mile route takes you through some of the historic neighborhoods of old East Dundee and old Carpentersville.
Overall top runners will receive a medal, as well as the top runners in various age categories. Event co-director Julie O'Leary guarantees, "You will not get lost as there will be volunteers serving as 'course marshals' to make sure that there are no wrong turns."
The Kid's Dash will be at 9:15 a.m. and will be a 100-yard dash near the Anvil Club.
If you preregister for the adult races before Sept. 1, the cost to participate will be $20. After that the cost will be $25. The Kid's Dash preregistration fee is $8 and after that date it will be $10. Each preregistered participant is guaranteed to receive a T-shirt and all participants will receive a goody bag and free entry into post-race drawings and refreshments and T-shirts as long as they are available.
Online registration is available at www.signmeup.com and it will give you the chance to indicate what size T-shirt you wear. The East Dundee Art Fair and Wine Fest will open immediately following the races.
Julie O'Leary further explained, "This is a family event - open to everyone. We look forward to enlarging our number of sponsors and participants. Many volunteers are also need to guide runners, man water stations and serve the refreshments after the races."
Sponsorships at the "Gold" level are $500; at the "Silver" level are $250: and at the "Bronze" level $100 and/or a raffle prize or goody bag item. Any monetary donation, gift certificate, coupon, service or product would be greatly appreciated. This is a great opportunity for your business to join a local community fundraising event while advertising. The sponsorship deadline is Aug. 15 and if you would like any information you can contact Erin Peterson, race director, at (847) 894-2223 or by email at epeteruns@yahoo.com.
I plan on taking part and hope to see you there.