Great Western Freedom 4 adds Diaper Dash, Kids Dash

People of all ages can race to the finish line or stroll along the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles during the Lazarus House's 10th annual Great Western Freedom 4 Run, Walk and Kids Dash on Monday, July 4.

"I think it's become very popular because it's on the Fourth of July, and it gets people out in the morning and gets them energized," fundraising coordinator Darlene Riebe said. "They know they're running for a good cause."

Lazarus House is a nonprofit organization serving people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and western, rural Kane County.

The four-mile race is on a U.S.A. Track and Field-certified course and is part of the Fox River Trail Runners Circuit. It will begin at 8 a.m. with walkers starting the two-mile scenic walk shortly afterward.

"Our setting at LeRoy Oakes is absolutely beautiful because the runners get to run in and out of the tree area. The walkers get to walk along a shaded path," Riebe said. "It's a super nice venue."

New to this year is the Hosanna! Lutheran Church and Preschool-sponsored Diaper Dash and Kids Dash starting around 9:15 a.m., leaving over an hour for parents to finish the race or walk.

"This way moms and dads can participate in the run and see their child participate in the Kids Dash before they leave," Riebe said.

First-, second- and third-place winners of each age group in the Kids Dash will receive medals while all participants will receive a T-shirt and a book. Age groups are 1 to 3 years old, 4 to 6 years old, 7 to 9 years old, and 10 to 12 years old.

Raffle prizes will be available for runners and walkers as well as kids.

Each year, Lazarus House raises between $15,000 and $18,000 at the run-walk which go toward the organization's operations funds.

"It's great to see people come out and want to donate their time and their talents to give back to Lazarus House like that," Riebe said.

Last year about 400 people participated in the event.

"We have a lot of the same people coming back every year. I think people really enjoy it," Riebe said.

Vendors such as Colonial Cafe and Starbucks will be at the event providing drinks and ice cream.

Anyone wishing to participate can preregister at signmeup.com. Preregistration fees are $20 per person for the walk and $28 per person for the race until Friday, July 1. Members of Chicago Area Runners Association, Fox Valley Trail Runners, Dick Pond Fast Track and Performance Runner will have a $3 discount for preregistration. After July 1, registration fees will be $25 per person for the walk and $35 per person for the race. Any child younger than 9 can walk for free with their families.

Registration on the day of the event will start at 6:30 a.m. and no discounts will apply. Lazarus House suggests a $5 donation per child participating in the Diaper Dash and Kids Dash.

For details, visit lazarushouse.com.