Lou Malnati's Pizzeria to host Deep Dish Dash 5K race Aug. 21
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Lakewood is hosting a Deep Dish Dash 5K run on Sunday, Aug. 21.
It will raise funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrate breast cancer survivors, and honor those who have lost their battle with the disease.
All proceeds from this Deep Dish Dash will support the Family Health Partnership Clinic's breast cancer fund, which helps uninsured women in McHenry County gain access to life saving screening, education and care coordination.
The first Deep Dish Dash took place in 2012 and was inspired by a close-knit Lakewood staff who wanted to rally around three staff members who were breast cancer survivors. More than 700 people participated in the inaugural race and $13,500 was donated to the Family Health Partnership Clinic's breast cancer fund. To learn more about the clinic, visit hpclinic.org.
"We want the race to be a celebration of breast cancer survivorship and we want to honor those who have lost their battle with the disease," said Matt Stern, general manager at Lou Malnati's Lakewood.
This includes one of their own, Meagan Sunde, who was a beloved member of the Lou Malnati's team, and one of the organizers of the 2012 Deep Dish Dash. Meagan passed away in November 2014.
"Meagan faced her sickness head on as she did with all things, and she was an inspiration to many. She was honest, kind and always the life of the party," recalled Stern. "The Deep Dish Dash is one of many ways that Meagan's legacy lives on."
In cooperation with the Village of Lakewood, the event will run a course through the community starting and ending in Lou Malnati's parking lot, Ackman Road and Redtail Drive.
Cost is $40. Runners can register online at www.loumalnatis.com/deep-dish-dash. The registration fee includes entry into the run, a T-shirt and a race bag. Pre-race day packet pickup will take place at Lou Malnati's, 8515 Redtail Drive, Lakewood, on Wednesday, Aug. 17, and Thursday, Aug. 18.
The race starts at 8 a.m., and pizza will be served after the race for all runners. A free youth dash will take place at 7:30 a.m.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is a family-owned company that stresses consistency in quality, service, and food, offered in a unique environment by a staff that is committed to one another, the customer, and the community.