Marklund's fifth annual 'Run, Walk & Roll' takes off Oct. 22
On Sunday, Oct. 22, runners, walkers, and wheelchair riders will converge on the Marklund Hyde Center campus for the fifth annual Run, Walk & Roll 5K and 1-Mile event.
The racing wheelchair race begins at 7:55 a.m., and the 5K and 1-mile race starts at 8 a.m. at 1S450 Wyatt Drive in Geneva.
5K participants will run, walk or compete using racing wheelchairs on a USATF Certified Course, that winds through the adjacent South Mill Creek neighborhood.
The 1-mile walk shares a portion of the 5K course and is open to individuals and families, as well as those with strollers, walkers or wheelchairs. Therapy dogs are welcome; however, other pets are not allowed.
Celebrating this fifth anniversary milestone, Marklund will give participants the chance to enjoy even more fun perks, including a winter knit beanie cap (guaranteed if registered by Friday, Oct. 13), touch screen gloves, hot chocolate bar, and the chance to win a GoPro. Participants who would like a commemorative hoodie sweatshirt have until Saturday, Sept. 30, to register.
Marklund would like to thank Plante Moran, the 2017 presenting sponsor, for its support.
"I am proud to have been supporting Marklund for more than 25 years," said Duane Fitch, partner at Plante Moran and chairman of the Marklund board of directors. "I see the positive impact their work has on the community, and I believe in their mission to make everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities."
Marklund also would like to thank volunteers who have helped make the event a success over the years, as well as participants for their individual fundraising efforts.
Since its inception, the Run, Walk & Roll has raised $190,000 for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Net proceeds raised from entry fees and runners' fundraising efforts help make everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities through the care and services provided at Marklund.
This year, those who raise $100 or more will be entered in the grand prize raffle. All fundraisers who raise $250 or more will be guaranteed a prize.
A Party in the Park will take place after the race, offering live music, and delicious food and beverages.
Through Sept. 30, 5K registration prices are $35, to receive a winter beanie, and $50, to receive a commemorative hoodie. Prices for the 1 Mile event are $25 to receive a beanie, and $40 to receive a hoodie. Beginning Oct. 1, an additional $5 fee will apply to all registrations.
To registration or information, visit www.marklund.org/5K.
Marklund is a nonprofit organization that serves infants, children, teens and adults with serious and profound developmental disabilities and special health care needs. With three residential locations - Marklund at Mill Creek in Geneva, the Marklund Philip Center in Bloomingdale, and the Marklund Wasmond Center in Elgin - it is currently home to nearly 174 clients.