Sign up for Marklund's ninth annual Run, Walk & Roll 5K-Geneva
After hosting three virtual 5K events over the past 18 months, Marklund is gearing up for its return to presenting a live, in-person race event this October. Runners, walkers and those in wheelchairs are invited to participate in the ninth annual Run, Walk & Roll-Geneva 5K/1-Mile event on Sunday, Oct. 17.
While this event will be held in-person, a virtual opportunity is still available for those who prefer to participate from a distance at their own locations.
“We are so excited be holding this event in-person again,” said Marklund's Race Director Natalie Sarby. “People were so generous supporting our virtual events in the past, but this event is so much fun — it will be great to be outside and together.”
The fundraising goal for this year's event is $100,000. One hundred percent of the net proceeds goes toward Marklund's mission of making everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities.
This year's 5K/1-mile will start promptly at 8:30 a.m. at Marklund Hyde Center, 1S450 Wyatt Drive in Geneva, and wind through the South Mill Creek neighborhood. The course is USA Track & Field Certified with 5K chip timing. Awards will go to the top two overall in-person finishers in the 5K and wheelchair races, along with the top two male and female finishers in each age division.
Register at www.marklund.org/5kgeneva.
Online registration closes Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 11:59 p.m. After Oct. 13, registration will be accepted in person at the packet pickup dates on Oct. 15-16 and on race day. Those who wish to participate in the virtual option may register online and select "virtual" at checkout.
The registration fee includes a knit beanie hat while supplies last. Registration also includes a finisher medal, race bib, chipped timing for live 5K participants and online timing entry for virtual 5K participants, sponsor product samples and goodies.
All participants receive entry into the "Party in the Park" after-race celebration, which features Pal Joey's pizza, Buona Beef hot dogs and Italian sausage, additional food and beverages, information from local vendors, live music from 101.9 The Mix, and more.
Marklund's Development Department staff established the Run, Walk & Roll in 2013 as a fun and community friendly way to raise awareness and support for Marklund's programs and services. Since its inception, the races have raised more than $700,000 in net proceeds to support the care of children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Volunteers needed
Volunteers are needed to help out as course marshals, food tent assistants, and registration assistants on the day of the event. Anyone age 14 or older who wishes to volunteer should register on the site at www.marklund.org/5kgeneva.
For information, reach out to Race Director Natalie Sarby at nsarby@marklund.org.
Marklund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides residential, therapeutic and educational services to infants, children, teens and adults with serious and profound developmental disabilities and special health care needs. It operates three campuses: Marklund Philip Center in Bloomingdale, the Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva, and the Marklund Wasmond Center in Elgin.
Follow www.facebook.com/MarklundCharity/ or twitter.com/marklundcharity.