Spring may have finally arrived in Chicagoland this weekend and with it the annual Cancer Wellness Center’s “Stepping Up to Wellness 5k Run / Walk.” The Sunday morning 30 degree, 6:30 a.m. temperature at Independence Grove in Libertyville indicated otherwise. Luckily, by the 9 a.m. race time, it was in the 40s and conditions were absolutely perfect for running.
There was a full schedule of family fun leading to up to the main event following temperatures and excitement to rise; included were opportunities for fundraising teams to socialize, activities “Honoring Each and Every Cancer Journey”, a kid’s workshop, face painting, a host of sponsor exhibits and a DJ getting everyone excited for the impending race.
Perhaps the most moving part of the day included the “Cancer Survivor Group Photo” and the opportunity for the foundation to tell their story. Paula Brady recounted her touching experience with the organization as someone undergoing cancer treatment and how with the support of her team “Paula’s Posse” she was able to raise over $21,000 for the Cancer Wellness Center. According to the Senior Director of Donor Experience, Doris Downing, this will allow the organization to continue providing a host of free services to center participants including education, counseling, support groups and wellness services such as acupuncture, massage and Reiki classes.
After drying some tears and a quick guided warm up, the 5k began (followed 15 minutes later by the 1 mile walkers). The Independence Grove venue has enough paved paths to create a variety of italia-meds.com; I have run three events here and each one has been different. The only constant is the beauty of the forest preserve and the lake it envelopes.
This events’ course was a fast loop with just enough rolling terrain to be fun and challenging with volunteer support all along the route and two aid stations. The walker route rejoins the runner’s about 2.5 miles into the loop. Fortunately, this didn’t cause any congestion as the road is pretty wide at this junction and a number of the 5k participants chose to walk the longer option as a family. There was water, sports drinks and bagels at the conclusion of the race. This was a chip timed event and the top three finishers in each age group received medals.
The overall leaders included:
Top Men Overall 5k:
Jason Ming (18:14)
Eric Christ (18:29)
Nima Shams (20:00)
Top Women Overall 5k:
Denise Torres (23:46)
Gema Benson: (24:04)
Courtney Nielsen (24:48)
However, the events real winners are those impacted by cancer who will continue to receive services from the Cancer Wellness Center thanks in part to the 800 plus registrants raised just over $190,000 total. If you would like to support this organization, please visit www.cancerwellness.org and look for the donate button or check out a number of upcoming events including a ladies luncheon (June 20th), a golf outing (July 16th) and their annual benefit at Joe’s Live (September 29th).
