Despite it being a weekend, teachers, students and families gathered this Saturday to raise money for education by running.
Over 2,200 people participated in the fifth annual Got2Run … For Education Event near Downtown Arlington Heights. Two distances were available: a 2.62 mile kids race, and an 8K. There was also a separate Wheelchair Race in the 2.62 mile distance.
More than 1,000 of the participants were children, and 82 of them were pushed in strollers, according to the event website. For every person registered, at least $10 of their fees went towards a local school of their choice. Over 200 public and private schools that serve over 120,000 students were represented, and the money earned will go towards its activities that encourage wellness within students. Got2Run will announce how much money each school earned on their website at a later date.
Both courses looped around neighborhoods just south of Highway 14. With the warm temperatures and sunny skies, many runners were thankful for the flat routes and light winds.
“We are very pleased with how it went,” race director Jeffrey Chamberlin said.
After the race, several sponsors had giveaways and games, and food was provided for the runners. An awards ceremony was held as well, and results can be found at http://www.got2run.org/2016-race.html.
Northwest Road Runners, a local running club who strives to encourage kids to recognize running as a healthy lifestyle choice, hosted the event. They were established in 2011 and host a kid’s running race every year in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs.
“The event is set at the end of the school year which provides school running clubs something to train for, generally starting just after spring break,” Chamberlin said.
Next year, the Got2Run race will take place on Saturday, May 20.
