Walk/run event to benefit United Way

Runners and walkers from throughout DuPage County will help raise money this weekend for the United Way of the DuPage Area by participating in a scenic race through Cantigny Park near Wheaton.

The inaugural Live United 5K Run/Walk is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 8, at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road. Race day registration and check-in will take place from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m.

Sonya Davis, a fundraising manager with the United Way of the DuPage Area, said officials with the organization were looking for "new and creative ways to reach out into the community to raise funds" when they came up with the idea for the race.

"It's a great way to kind of kickoff the summer," Davis said. "There are people in DuPage who appreciate helping and supporting our organization. This is a fun and new way that we're able to engage those people."

The course will be a flat 5K route through Cantigny Park, starting and ending at the visitor's center. Along the way, runners and walkers will pass Cantigny's gardens, museums and collection of military vehicles. They also will be entertained with a live musical performance by The Salt Creek Boys, a classic "roots and rock" band that has played extensively throughout the Chicago area.

One goal of the race is to bring families together to promote fitness. So parents are encouraged to participate with their children.

"It's definitely a family-centered event," said Davis, adding that participants can stay after the race and explore Cantigny's signature attractions, including the First Division Museum.

At the start of the week, organizers said about 125 people already had registered to participate in the race. The hope is to get as many runners and walkers as possible.

"It looks like every day we are getting more and more people," Davis said. "I am sure people are just watching the weather to see if it will be a nice day."

The cost to participate in the race is $30 on the day of event. There are discounts for children 11 and younger.

Thanks to title sponsor Kellogg Co., all the money raised from the entrance fees will benefit the United Way of the DuPage Area, which is the largest non-government funder health and human serve organizations in the county.

For more information, visit uwdupage.org/live-united-5k.