District 54 hosts Run to Read 5K, family fun walk Sept. 22

School District 54 is hosting its 15th annual day of races on Sunday, Sept. 22, to support literacy. The goal is to collect 1,000 children's books for every classroom in District 54.

The day begins with mascot races at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 100-yard and 400-yard dashes for children at 8 a.m. Every child will receive a medal.

The 5K run will start at 9 a.m. and will be on a USATF-certified course over mostly flat roads (see the map online at sd54.org/runtoread).

There is also a family fun walk for adults and children alike at 9:15 a.m.

All races originate at Dirksen School, 116 W. Beech Drive in Schaumburg.

Awards will be presented to the top male and female winner and the top age group winners in the 5K. An awards ceremony will be at about 10 a.m. While all participants will receive a medal at the finish line, special medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group in the 5K race.

All individuals participating in any run or walk must register in advance. The cost to participate is $10 for junior high school age and younger, $20 for high school students and adults age 60 and older, and $30 for adults ages 19 to 59. There is also a family rate of $50 for the walk only.

Registration continues until 8 a.m. on the morning of the event. Registration and packet pickup will begin at 7 a.m. inside the school gym. Packets will also be available for pickup from 2:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 and from 8 to 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20 at the District 54 Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. If you are picking up on Friday, please avoid school bus traffic to the Early Learning Center by parking in the far east lot in front of the two-story administration building.

No bicycles, skates, scooters or pets are allowed on the courses. Strollers are allowed on the walk and run.

District 54 is still accepting sponsors for the race. Donations are also being accepted for both the goody bags and post-race drawing.

If you are interested in attending or sponsoring the event, visit http://sd54.org/runtoread, online registration is available at this link. You may also contact Terri McHugh at (847) 357-5028 or TerriMcHugh@sd54.org.

• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.