Families can run at Harvest Hustle

The Geneva Park District will host its annual Harvest Hustle 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 2. Race begins at 8:30 a.m., with day of registration and check-in at 7:30 a.m. Chip timing and DriFit long-sleeve shirts have been added to the event this year, which will start and finish at the Geneva Middle School.

According to Mike Contreras, athletic supervisor, the 3.1-mile race will go around the Peck Farm Park Trail, which offers a challenging path for runners of all levels. The Kids Fun Run will be a three-fourths of a mile loop around the Peck Farm Park baseball field, great for kids 10 and younger.

"Children are encouraged to sign up for the 5K and challenge themselves by running with their families as well," said Traci Wicks, marketing supervisor for the Geneva Park District.

"The event is a great way to kick off the fall season and brings families together in a fun active environment, it also provides a challenge for those with a more competitive drive - this event truly offers active recreation for everyone."

Interested participants can register online at www.genevaparks.org, fax the registration form to (630) 232-4569 or in person at Geneva Community Center, 710 Western Ave. or Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center, 3507 Kaneville Road. Each person who registers for the 5K by Tuesday, Sept. 28, will receive a DriFit long-sleeve shirt, and those who register for the Kids Fun Run will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt. Awards will be given to the overall male and female winners and to the top three in each age category.

After the event, participants and their families can enjoy a post-event party at Claddagh in Geneva Commons.

Prior to the run, participants can take advantage of a variety of vendor booths, including Geneva Running Outfitters, and The Chiropractic People. Panera of Geneva will also be providing after-event breakfast bagels to the runners.