Runners brave elements for Jeanine Nicarico Run in Naperville

The weather on Sunday morning was cold, wet and ugly. But that didn’t stop hundreds of people from assembling outside in Naperville for the 10th annual Jeanine Nicarico 5K Run for Reading.

“They brought the sunshine out,” said Kathy Nicarico, one of Jeanine’s sisters, about the participants.

The event raises money for a literacy fund established in the name of Jeanine Nicarico, a Naperville girl who was murdered in 1983 at the age of 10. As of Sunday’s race, the fund had generated more than $150,000 in grants to help students in Naperville Unit District 203 and Indian Prairie Unit District 204 overcome problems in reading.

Organizers had hoped for 1,000 people to participate Sunday, but they said the weather might have resulted in them falling a bit short. Last year, more than 700 runners participated.

“Given what it’s like out here right now, the turnout is great,” said organizer Mary Bazan.

The race, which included runners and walkers, started and finished right outside River Woods Elementary School. Nathan Kennedy of Bolingbrook was the first finisher, completing the run in under 18 minutes.

“I’m pretty happy with it,” he said while catching his breath after the race. “I recently ran a marathon, and I was curious how I would do today so soon after.”

Kennedy said he liked the fact that the race helps a good cause.

“That makes a difference in where I choose to run,” he said.

Before the race, Jeanine Nicarico’s mother, Pat, praised participants for braving the elements for a good cause.

“In a way, I can’t believe you’re all out here,” she said, addressing the crowd. “But that’s the spirit of this community.”

Chris Nicarico, another sister of Jeanine’s, said the annual run is a special event for members of her family.

“All these runners are helping Jeanine live on in a positive way,” she said. “That means a lot.”