Healthy West Chicago 5K Fun Run scheduled for Aug. 21
Studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shown that regular physical activity can benefit health in numerous ways. Health benefits from being physically active include but are not limited to; improved brain health, weight management, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, prevention of certain types of cancers. These benefits can increase the chances of living a longer healthy life. Regardless of age, ethnicity, ability, shape, or size everyone can experience the health benefits of physical activity.
Healthy West Chicago invites you to join the 2021 Healthy West Chicago 5K Fun Run on Saturday, Aug. 21. This year it offers both a live and virtual option. Participants will be able to choose their option during registration.
Registration fees for the family-friendly 5K Fun Run are discounted for residents and students. All proceeds from the race will be used for future Healthy West Chicago community programming to benefit all West Chicago residents.
Healthy West Chicago's goal for this event is to provide a fun environment where everyone can enjoy a safe run/walk.
Mayor Ruben Pineda said, "Healthy West Chicago is doing a great job in coordinating movement activities that increase the community's level of fitness. The 5K Fun Run on Aug. 21 is one such event.
"The city is proud to partner with Healthy West Chicago, and I'm hoping our residents participate in this family-friendly event," Pineda continued. "It will be a great way to build momentum for September's 'Move with the Mayor' campaign."
The live race will start and finish at Reed-Keppler Park's ARC Center, located at 129 West National St. West Chicago and take participants on the certified course on the scenic Prairie Path.
Race-day registration will take place near Zone250 at Reed-Keppler Park, west of the ARC Center.
The 5K race will begin at 8:30 a.m. Pre-registration for the event may be found at raceroster.com/48352.
Awards will be distributed to one overall male/female winner for the 5K who will each receive a trophy, and one male/female winner in each age category who will each receive medals.
For those who want to be a part of the event but cannot attend in person, there is a virtual option.
Participants may complete their virtual run anytime that weekend. There will be no formal awards for virtual race participants.
To participate virtually:
• Run anytime during the weekend of Aug. 21-22;
• Choose your own course;
• Most importantly - have fun and enjoy the time outside.
All registrants will receive a short sleeve race day T-shirt. The packet and shirt pickup for preregistered participants will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug.19, at Zone 250, 250 W. National St. West Chicago. If you are unable to pick up your race packet on Thursday during the designated time, check in at the registration tent day of the race.
Healthy West Chicago wishes to thank the sponsors of this event. They include: Jacobs Engineering Group, Haggerty Ford, Hawthorne's Backyard, West Chicago Park District, WeGo Together for Kids and City of West Chicago.
Those interested in becoming a sponsor or learning about the perks of becoming a sponsor should contact Carly Smitherman at director@healthywestchicago.org
Healthy West Chicago's mission is to ensure that all residents of West Chicago will have access to an optimal state of health and wellness. Healthy West Chicago is dedicated to increasing healthy eating and physical activity in the City of West Chicago to make West Chicago one of the healthiest communities in the region. Through engaging events and policy efforts, we aim to make the healthy choice, the easy choice.