Featured 5k of the Week - Run For Kelli

The Run For Kelli is one of many events benefiting the Kelli Joy O'Laughlin Fund. The Fund raises money to go towards college scholarships to young ladies graduating high school, to award free tuition to selected individuals to attend Camp Tecumseh, and to provide gifts to the Maryville Academy. Full details on these programs is available at the link provided with this post.

The Run For Kelli was a 3-mile cross-country event, but in 2015 the course was slightly altered to make it a full 5k. (Difference between the two is about .1 miles - so not much of a modification was needed). The course is completely housed on the grounds of Lyons Township High School South Campus.

The course begins in the far corner near the baseball/softball field and then traverses the perimeter of the property making turns to avoid the tennis courts, practice football field, and other items. The entire course is on grass (very soft on the feet) and has only a few very very very minor hills. (very minor). Participants start cross-country style with a wide start line, travel up the starting chute then begin a 3-time around journey. On the third time around, participants peel off and enter the finish line chute. The grass is quite plush and is easy on the feet, there are only a couple of very slight rough spots, totaling less than 5 yards. The design of the course is such that runners can pretty much see other runners the entire time, either with them, or heading back on another part of the course. The design also allows for spectators to watch a significant amount of the course, which is good for families and friends not running. Being a 3-time around course, supporters get ample opportunity to cheer.

Speaking of cheering, as any cross-country course does, this course had a few turns, not a bunch, but enough. The course was staffed at every single turn (even obvious ones, where the participant HAD to turn or run into a chain link fence) with volunteers to point the right way. BUT, more importantly, these volunteers where "voluncheers" as they all offered support, cheers, and words of encouragement to all the runners - each time they passed.

The event formerly was held in November, but has moved to September, which is ideal, as running a cross-country track, while the football team practiced is about as "midwestern autumn" as it can be! Perfect atmosphere for the race! (and perfect weather as well)

Before and after the event, participants gather inside the Fieldhouse where there were refreshments, stretching tables, bleachers, and raffles. PLENTY of raffles - premium and regular (different price tickets). The regular prizes were all easily $100+ in value and the premium - nearly priceless (suite tickets for the Hawks, for example). There was also a DJ playing music before and after the event - and also being the location of the post-race awards. Lots of cross-country runners for area schools - some amazing times were posted!

This event was organized and run perfectly and was staffed with some of the nicest voluncheers anywhere (and plenty of them)!

Oh - and a huge shout out to the house next to the finish line, which displayed an awesome KJO banner - and played upbeat rock songs from start to finish - and cheered the runners too!!! Not an official part of the event - but most certainly part of the event!

Whether one enjoys off-road running or not - this is an excellent race to attend. It also featured a 1-mile walk, on a different course, after the race and a 50-yard dash for the kids!

http://kellijoyolaughlinmemorialfund.com/