Featured Running Event of the Week - AshleyCan Pediatric Cancer Foundation Mother's Day Run/Walk

Some things are worth repeating - this was posted in 2015 - but is worth reposting.

This race is coming up on Sunday, May 8, 2016.  Registration is at :

https://www.raceentry.com/race-reviews/ashleycan-pediatric-cancer-foundation-6th-annual-mothers-day-5k2-mile-walkkids-run

AshleyCan Pediatric Cancer Foundation 5k run / 2 mile walk / kids run at Perry Farm in Bourbonnais, IL.

First and foremost - what does this race support?  This race supports the AshleyCan Pediatric Foundation which is dedicated to raising money for research into discovering what causes pediatric cancer and discovering cures and treatments for this terrible disease.  Money is also spent with medical assistance for those in this unfortunate situation.  The AshleyCan Foundation works very closely with the world famous St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Second and still foremost - who organizes this race?  The Montgomery Family in honor of their very strong (AshleyStrong) daughter, Ashley who was TWICE diagnosed with Pediatric Cancer, the second time many many years post-remission.  On a personal note, I had not heard of the Montgomery Family, this race, or this foundation until I was looking for a race last autumn and found the AshleyCan 5k held in September.  (The foundation holds three major race weekends, an 8k on New Year's Day, this Mother's Day Event, and an autumn 10k/5k combo event)  After the 5k, at the food/awards tent, I stayed around to cheer for the medal winners and prior to that, first Mrs. Montgomery spoke and told the crowd why this event exists, what the foundation stands for, and so on.  A very touching speech, reminding all of us about just how many people are afflicted by this terrible disease and also educating us on the great work being done at St. Jude (all from donations, by the way).  Then Ashley herself stepped up and spoke.  At that time she was still in remission from her first bout many years back.  But, the entire day, we all saw her working the race, running around, and getting stuff done.  She is an impressive young lady.  The entire family is strong (or as they say AshleyStrong).  To hear the stories first hand - and to hear about Ashley's current battle (which she is WINNING!!!) is a mixture of emotions, sad that someone has to go through this, but also inspirational to watch the strength of Ashley and the entire family.  Because of the reason for the races - I feel these are 3 must attend events for any runners in the area.

Now, the race itself.  Each event of the three is held in a different location in/around Bourbonnais/Kankakee.  This one is held at Perry Farm in Bourbonnais.  This is a peaceful and scenic track through Perry Farm, alongside the Kankakee River, and part of the nearby neighborhood.  The course is a bike/running/walking path mixed with residential sidestreets.  Participants get the peaceful surroundings of trees and fields and the river for most of the course with a quiet neighborhood setting for the rest of the course.  For the most part this is what some call "an easy" course - mostly flat, no tight turns, nice straights and sweeping turns.  HOWEVER, there is "AshleyCan Challenge Hill" right about in the middle of the course.  And as the event information says, it's a reminder of the challenges faced by the children (and families) dealing with the terrible disease of pediatric cancer.

I've ran 1 other AshleyCan event, I've volunteered for another, and I have ran a variation of this course.  I highly recommend this event.  It is on Mother's Day, but starts early enough to still enjoy the entire day with Mom.  Bring Mom out to the event and walk with her - or see her at the finish line - what a great way to start the Mother's Day celebration.