Elmhurst’s Annie Ryan 5K benefits kids with brain tumors

The 12th annual Annie Ryan Run in Elmhurst on Sunday, May 15, will raise money to help children fighting brain tumors.

The event, which features a 5K course for runners and a one-mile dash for children, starts at 9 a.m. at York Road and South Street. Proceeds benefit the Midwest Children’s Brain Tumor Center at Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge in memory of former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan’s daughter, Annie Marie Ryan, who died of a brain tumor at age 12. To date, it has generated more than $500,000.

“It’s a success because the city of Elmhurst has really embraced this run, and the people from the community come out to support the Midwest Children’s Brain Tumor Center as well as the Ryan family,” organizer Grace O’Connor said.

Check-in for both races is from 6:30 to 8:45 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 537 S. York St. The 5K run steps off at 9 a.m. along a course that includes a portion of the Illinois Prairie Path. The one-mile Kids Running for Kids event steps off at 9:45 a.m. and is open to children in grades one through eight.

Other activities Sunday include face painting, raffle prizes and ice cream.

All proceeds go to the brain tumor center’s Family Support Program, which offers support sessions, meal passes, temporary housing and parking lot tokens for families of children being treated for brain tumors — the second leading cause of death, behind leukemia, in youngsters. Participants in the program also have access to a “child life specialist” funded by the run, and receive outings to sporting events and other attractions.

Entry fee for the 5K run is $25 in advance, $30 on race day. The Kids Running for Kids event is $12.

Runners can preregister at The Runner’s Soul Athletics, 124 N. York St., in Elmhurst. For additional details, call (847) 723-5183 or visit annierun.com.

If you go

What: 12th annual Annie Ryan Run

Why: Benefits Midwest Children’s Brain Tumor Center

When: 9 a.m. Sunday, May 15

Where: Starts at York Road and South Street, Elmhurst

Cost: $25 in advance, $30 race day; $12 for children’s run

Info: (847) 723-5183 or annierun.com