Batavia Mothers' Club hosts 14th annual Fox Trot fundraiser

About 250 runners of all ages stepped off at 8 a.m. Saturday for the Batavia Mothers' Club Foundation's 14th annual Fox Trot 5K and 10K fundraiser. Crossing the Fox River pedestrian bridge immediately after the start, runners of all ages flooded the width of the bridge, making its wooden planks rumble beneath their feet. New to the event this year was the 10K. Later in the hour, the noncompetitive Kids' Fun Run portion of the event was held, which was comprised of a Youth Mile and Junior Jog (about one-quarter mile). Funds raised by the race will be donated to local educational efforts.

The Batavia Mothers' Club (which has existed since 1934) has about 50 active members, according to this year's race directors and co-chairs Allison Lindy and Katie Hulett, both of Batavia. Members are asked to volunteer on race day, working alongside Lindy and Hulett to make sure the event runs smoothly. The pair, who have both been members of the club for six years, share the same enthusiasm for the event's mission to raise funds for local schools. "One hundred percent of the proceeds go to teachers and education grants around here," Hulett says.

Lindy, a runner herself, adds, "I also really like the local flavor of this race. We get people from all over the Tri Cities area. It's friendly runners and people just out having a good time involving kids and families and it's just a fun family day for everyone."

Tom Spadafora of Aurora was the first 5K runner to cross the finish line, and Amanda Hopper of Carpentersville was the first 10K finisher.

For more information on the Batavia Mothers' Club and their local philanthropic efforts, go to bataviamothersclub.org.