Register for Saints Challenge, Leavey Youth Mile

Registration is under way for the 33rd annual Saints Challenge 5K and Jeff Leavey Youth Mile races June 19 at St. Charles East High School.

This year’s race is also the official 5K of the Dick Pond Walk to Run program, and the reunion run for all ex-Saints runners. The youth mile is for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade.

The races start at 8 a.m. at the high school track, 1020 Dunham Road.

Munhall Elementary School is the two-time defending champion of the mile competition.

All preregistered runners get a choice of a black or orange T-shirt, a goody bag and entry into the Saints Challenge Raffle, with more than 75 prizes.

Preregistration through June 9 is $22 for the 5K and $15 for the mile race. Race day registration is $25.

All proceeds go to help the running programs at the high school.

Go to runningsaints.org for more information and to download a mail-in registration form.

Dick Pond Athletics of St. Charles has a program for people who want to start running.

The store has 200 people signed up, and many have never run before. The group starts with 30-minute walks and by the end of their 10-week training session they run a 5K. The Saints Challenge is the group’s “graduation.”

For more information on the Walk to Run program, call (630) 587-0745.