Get moving for Marklund: 8th annual Run, Walk & Roll-Bloomingdale set for April 27

Marklund will host its eighth annual Run, Walk & Roll-Bloomingdale 5K and 1-mile event on Sunday, April 27.

Participants of all levels are welcome — from runners new to the activity or those going for new personal records, walkers out for an energetic stroll, and even those who do a little of both.

Marklund is a 70-year-old nonprofit organization that serves children and adults with profound developmental disabilities. Residents of the organization will share the course in their wheelchairs, assisted by family members, volunteers and staff.

The event starts and finishes at the Marklund Philip Center, 164 S. Prairie Ave. in Bloomingdale. Participants will start together, then split off onto one of two routes: a USATF-certified 5K course, and a 1-mile circuit. Start time will be 8:30 a.m.

Medals are awarded to the top male and female finishers of the 5K course in various age categories. Participant medals are limited to the first 450 registrations.

Register online at www.marklund.org/5K or in-person on race day.

Volunteers needed

An event of this kind would not be possible without the support of many volunteers. Anyone age 14 or older may join in the fun as a volunteer to help ensure the event runs safely and smoothly. Volunteers will receive a free “Race Crew” T-shirt on race day.

Sign up at www.marklund.org/5K.

There also are new tool kits for individual fundraising.

“We are excited to share that we’ve created a new participant’s Toolkit this year,” said race director Lauren Spitler. “It contains all the information needed to easily share the word that you are participating in and fundraising for this event. We included a new shareable graphic, ready for use on social media.”

Since its inception, the Run, Walk & Roll series has raised $1,308,414 in net proceeds to support the children and adults with developmental disabilities being cared for at Marklund.

Find Race FAQs at www.marklund.org/5k or contact Lauren Spitler at lspitler@marklund.org or (630) 593-5473.