On Sunday, May 9, 2021, I attended the Mother’s Day 5K Run/ Walk in Barrington, Illinois.
Covid-19 did not stop the fun for this increasingly popular event in its 11th year. This year a second Mother’s Day 5k was added and occurred simultaneously in Deer Park, IL, both from 7am-10am.
This event has become a new tradition for me and my family to start the holiday having fun.
This year participants pre-selected their own start times with a 5 minute window between each runner to encourage social distancing. I arrived in Barrington, IL, super-excited and ready to run in 45 degree weather under gray, overcast skies. Friendly volunteers of All Community Events greeted and cheered every runner as we separately approached the start line.
Hills and hills are what we climbed from the start, totaling 902 feet of elevation. We strolled through the quaintly rural and scenic neighborhoods of Barrington.
Giant weeping-willow trees lined the streets and neighborhood parks, reminiscent of my youth, when I spent summers with my grandma in rural down south, where life is slow and peaceful and hospitality is overflowing.
All the while, volunteers clapped and encouraged us to “keep going, you’re doing great!” As I was finishing my run, the sight of happy little children, clad in their matching race shirts, running next to their moms and aunts and grandmas, just warmed my heart.
All in all, this is a wonderful family event. Crossing the well-deserved finish line made my super-early wake up so worth it.
After my finish, I strolled over to the table with volunteers who guided us finishers to our pre-packed goody bags filled with yummy cake pops, trail mix and bottled water. The next table was adorned with beautiful finisher medals. And it felt awesome.
The crowds were small, socially distant and constantly moving this year. My highlight of the Mother’s Day 5K Run/ Walk was meeting a woman, and a young man, both of whom ran their very first 5k and proudly wore their new medals around their necks. I congratulated them both and I hope to see them on the pavement again real soon.
I plan to return in 2022 for my 4th time to this heart-warming Mother’s Day Event.
