McHenry County race to benefit 67 charities

The sixth annual McHenry County Human Race April 24 will benefit 67 charity programs, organizers said.

Approximately 1,000 people from throughout the region are expected to participate in the 5K run/walk, which begins at 8 a.m. at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.

Race participants choose which organization their registration fee will benefit and can raise pledges for one of the participating agencies.

"Anybody can run, but the charities all have to be serving McHenry County," said Rebecca Stiemke, executive director of the Volunteer Center of McHenry County, which organizes the race. "Overall, last year we raised almost $70,000. In the first five years, we raised $360,000."

McHenry County's Human Race was the first of its kind in Illinois and helped spur the DuPage County Human Race five years ago, she said.

Registration is open through race day. The cost is $35 per person and goes to $40 starting Friday. Anyone registering through 8 p.m. Thursday can enter the code LUCKY MARCH for $5 off.

"It's just a way to get people motivated to register early," Stiemke said.

On race day, alongside registration there will be a social service expo with 48 booths of mostly nonprofit agencies set up in the college cafeteria. Race participants will receive a T-shirt and finish medal. Musical entertainment and food also will be provided.

"It's a hero theme so a lot of people come dressed up as heroes," Stiemke said.

The executive directors of the McHenry County Community Foundation, McHenry County Mental Health Board and United Way - the three main funders of nonprofits in the county - will be dressed up as Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman, respectively, she added.

Agencies also can receive $2,400 in prize money based on how many participants they bring in.

For more information, visit mchumanrace.org or call (815) 344-4483.