Registration is Now Open for the SALUTE, INC. Memorial Day Weekend 5k/10k
Registration is now open for SALUTE. INC.'s annual Memorial Day Weekend 5K/10K, which raises funds to help meet the financial, physical and emotional needs of injured military service members, veterans and their families. The Palatine-based nonprofit is excited to be bringing back the Mayor's Challenge, the adaptive division race for those in wheelchairs, using hand cycles or who are visually impaired, while introducing some new changes to the event.
One of this year's biggest changes is the addition of a virtual run for those who are traveling over the weekend or for out-of-state SALUTE supporters. Virtual runners can run their own 5K or 10K course to honor the service and remember the sacrifice of our nation's service men and women. Those who register for the virtual run will receive an official race shirt.
"The purpose of these races is to raise funds to support injured service men and women in the community and bring awareness to the challenges they face," said Co-founder and Executive Director, Mary Beth Beiersdorf. "We want to include as many people as possible in that mission, so we're doing a lot this year to include more runners and spread the word about the people benefiting from this race."
The race is also being moved to a Saturday, so community members can make the most of their holiday weekend. This year's race will be held on May 25th at 8:00 a.m. near Recreation Park.
For first-time runners (or those who haven't picked up their running shoes in a while), SALUTE is offering a new Couch-to-5K training program through the Busse Woods Running Club. More information about the training program can be found at SaluteInc.org.
Arlington Heights Mayor, Tom Hayes, has once again extended his Mayor's Challenge to all 5K runners. A U.S. Army veteran and long-distance competitive runner, Hayes will donate $5.00 to SALUTE, INC. for every person who beats his 5K time.
All races will kick off at Recreation Park, located at 500 East Miner Street at 8:00 a.m. on May 25th. Online registration is open now through May 22nd and entry fees are at their lowest rate. To learn more or register, visit www.saluteinc.org/events/salute-inc-5k-10k/.