Run to preserve Winfield's history

Winfield Historical Society will hold its 32nd annual Winfield Run for History 5K/10K race at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, July 19, with the main race followed by a kids' 100-yard dash for ages 3 through 8 at 9 a.m.

Attracting novices and athletes alike, the event benefits the Winfield Historical Society, whose mission is to preserve the community's heritage.

All runners and walkers loop through the rolling hills of Winfield with a start/finish at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, 25 Winfield Road. Medals are given to the top three finishers in each age group and prizes awarded to the first overall female and male in each race. Ribbons are given to all kid's dash participants.

"The run is our only means of support for Hedges Station, we receive no tax dollar support or any support from the state," said Sheila Otto, treasurer of the Winfield Historical Society. "Without the community's support by participating in the run, this part of history cannot continue to grow and be a part of our past and future in Winfield."

All proceeds will go to the Winfield Historical Society, which recently completed the restoration of Hedges Station - the oldest building in Winfield and oldest remaining train depot in Illinois. Open to the public on a limited basis, the station is one of Winfield's greatest historical treasures.

Built in 1849, Hedges Station was slated for demolition in 1978 until the Winfield Historical Society was formed. Since then, the society has raised more than $250,000 to complete the restoration. The society is continuing to raise money to work on display elements of the depot museum.

Entry costs are $30 or $10 for the kids' dash. Register online at www.winfieldhistory.org, by mail or race day beginning at 6 a.m. Pre-race day packet pick up will be held from 3 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, at Dick Pond in Carol Stream. Volunteers should contact Mary Agnes Zellmer at maz@chicagoracemanagement.com.