Hundreds to run, walk in Lisle's Scarecrow Scramble

Lisle's 10th annual Scarecrow Scramble steps off Saturday evening as part of an event that celebrates almost every aspect of autumn.

The 5K race in Community Park near Route 53 and Short Street begins at 6:30 p.m., with a tot race at 5:30 p.m. and a youth race at 5:45 p.m.

New this year is a Fall Festival that runs from 2 to 10 p.m. with food vendors, brewers, crafters, hayrides and a DJ in the area of the park that adjoins the fitness center.

Roasted ears of corn, hamburgers and brats, along with festival beers, hot chocolate, wine and hot cider will be available. Festivalgoers will want to check out the pumpkin patch to purchase corn stalks, hay bales and pumpkins of all sizes.

Organizers encourage everyone to come in costume and take part in the costume contest in the Lisle High School commons area.

"We always have some really cool costumes," said Kim Brondyke, who has served as race director for 10 years. "I remember one family that came together as a spider web. People are very creative.

"(Costumes) are not required, but it sure makes it a lot of fun," Brondyke said. "You might be surprised how many people run in their costumes."

The event draws about 700 runners and walkers of all ages, their families, friends and spectators, along with roughly 150 volunteers.

"We could not have a successful race without all our great volunteers," Brondyke said. "The race committee and the teen groups are all volunteers."

On Lisle High School's football field, the Tot Run is a 50-yard dash at 5:30 p.m. for children up to age 6, quickly followed by the half-mile Youth Run for participants ages 7 to 11. At 6:30 p.m., the 5K Run and Walk for ages 9 and older takes off by the high school. Last year, the athlete who came in first did the course in a little less than 17 minutes.

The first 500 paid registrations for the 5K and Youth Run will receive a T-shirt. Winners receive recognition and awards. Every runner who signs up for the 5K also will receive a commemorative bag celebrating the race's 10th anniversary.

Brondyke, a certified personal trainer and fitness expert, says the event is a great way to introduce a family to running or walking.

"There is no downside to exercise," said Brondyke, who will run her 20th marathon this month. "It helps all vital organs function at a better capacity, including helping your heart pump blood better and your lungs to increase capacity.

"If you haven't run before, the best way to get started is to get outside and walk," Brondyke said. "Start including short bouts of running until you are tired, then walk again. Once rested, start another short burst of running and keep repeating until you are done with three miles. Eventually you run longer and walk shorter."

The Scramble was founded in 2004, when the Lisle Partners for Parks and the Lisle Community Character Alliance joined forces to stage a unique 5K walk and run at night. The wide, winding pathways through Lisle Community Park were perfect and were gently lit by luminarias the entire route.

"Partners had reserved a date for a race but couldn't get enough volunteers; the LCCA had lots of volunteers but no date to have a race, so the combination was a perfect blend," Brondyke said. "We have a really fun group to work with."

The Lisle Partners for Parks Foundation is a 501(c) 3 corporation that works to make the Lisle community a better place to live, work and play. Scarecrow Scramble is its largest fundraiser.

"Every year, the foundation sets aside $3,000 to be used for scholarships for families who otherwise could not afford to participate in some of Lisle Park District's programs, and each year we meet or exceed that amount," said Lisa Leone, a foundation board member and its secretary.

"Typically, the big requests are for summer camp, preschool, swim lessons and before- and after-school care," Leone said. "Last year, we also purchased the outdoor playground equipment for the preschool and a new 14-passenger van for the park district's growing teen programs. We also made a major donation to the Sensory Garden Playground at Naperville and Warrenville roads."

Half the race proceeds go to the Lisle Teens with Character program, Leone said.

Packet pickup for runners and walkers is from 4 to 6:15 p.m. Advance packet pickup is 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Lisle Park District Recreation Center, 1925 Ohio St.

Each 5K participant who completes the course will receive a complimentary slice of Evviva pizza and a soft drink or a craft beer depending on the participant's age.

Admission to all events and parking is free. For details, go to scarecrowscramble.com.

• Joan Broz writes about Lisle. Her columns appear regularly in Neighbor.