Itasca police 'nab' runners to help military families

More than 150 people tried their best Saturday to flee from the Itasca police, but the crowd wasn't exactly full of hardened criminals.

They took part in the town's third annual "Run from the Cops" 5K run/walk at Usher Park.

Proceeds go to aid Salute Inc., an Arlington Heights-based charity that helps struggling military families.

At 8 a.m., participants took off at Walnut and Grove streets and continued past Washington Park, through Songbird Slough, followed by a pass through the Spring Brook Nature Center, up Kimball Hill and back to near where they started.

If Chief Scott Heher or Deputy Chief Bob O'Connor passed up a participant, they were forced to don a "captured" doughnut sticker. One man who was not left in their dust was Itasca resident Steve Ellenbecker, who came in first place.

Keeping with the event's theme, some runners wore black-and-white striped shirts. One man ran in an orange prison jumpsuit. Several police officers, including those from other departments, joined in the fun.

Local veterans greeted them at the finish line. It was all for a good cause.

Last year, Salute Inc. donated $365,000 to help military families.

"The problem is, sometimes they need help to get back on their feet," said Itasca police officer Rick Brogan, one of the organizers, adding the event helps recognize the town's veterans. "They're a very important part of the fabric of our community."

Itasca's run, which included a free pancake breakfast that fed more than 350 people and included a spirited kids' doughnut dash, is sponsored by the local police, park district, Lions Club and Knights of Columbus.

Salute Inc., born in 2003 as an Arlington Heights couple's effort to give back for the support they received during a 13-month deployment, relies on such events for its existence. In also has an annual Memorial Day run in Arlington Heights and, this year, will have a group of 125 runners in the Chicago Marathon. Some of Saturday's participants signed up to join the marathon team.

"It brought in more money for us and allowed us to make more contacts, which gives us an opportunity to help more families," said Beth Schwarz, Salute's administrative director, who described the proud families the organization supports. "They'll write on their application that if someone else needs it more, they understand. Then, you meet them and it just breaks your heart."