Wheaton Park District and FT Cares Foundation illuminates downtown Wheaton with Light the Torch 5K Oct. 2

As the sun sets in the autumn sky on Saturday, Oct. 2, the Wheaton Park District and FT Cares Foundation Light the Torch 5K Night Run/Walk will be back, in-person and virtually, for its eighth year in downtown Wheaton.

The race, which steps off at 6:30 p.m., features luminary lanes and a spectacular laser light show.

This year's race is happening along side October Fest, and will be held at Central Athletic Complex, presented by DuPage County Historical Museum.

Race participants and their families, along with the general public, can enjoy live entertainment, a beer garden, food vendors and a children's play area.

"The charitable organizations that benefit from this race need our help more than ever. By continuing to do what we can to raise these funds means the nonprofits we support can continue their missions in these difficult times," says Lisa Weier, director of development of FT Cares Foundation, the charitable arm of First Trust Portfolios and this year's presenting sponsor.

After a challenging and unprecedented year due to the pandemic, this year's race will honor first responders and health care workers with a portion of proceeds benefiting organizations including Compline and Concerns of Police Survivors.

A portion of proceeds also will benefit Special Spaces of Illinois, Cosley Zoo, DuPage County Historical Museum, and Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation.

"This race has always been about giving back. We are excited to return safely to an in-person race to connect with as much of the community as possible to raise awareness and funding for charities locally, nationally, and globally," says Race Director Amy Seklecki of Wheaton Park District.

October Fest is free and all are welcome to come out and enjoy the evening's festivities. Bring the family, bring some friends and come out to the organizations who will benefit from the race while enjoying a family fun atmosphere.

Online registration is open through Tuesday, Sept. 28, at runsignup.com/Race/IL/Wheaton/LighttheTorch5KNightRun.

Packet pickup will be Thursday, Sept. 30, and race-day registration also will be available.

For additional information and details, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/lightthetorch or email Amy Seklecki, race director, at aseklecki@wheatonparks.org.