With temperatures hovering in the low 20s, the 11th annual Bonfield Express 5K kicked off in downtown Downers Grove on Thanksgiving morning with more than 5,500 people registered to participate in the event. The race began in 2004 as a way to honor the memory of Downers Grove South father, teacher, dean and coach Jim Bonfield and works to further his message of character, community and commitment.
The top male finishers in the 2014 Bonfield Express 5K were: 1) Dan O’Keefe of Downers Grove, 2) Jack LaLonde, also of Downers Grove, and 3) Ben Wynsma of Suttons Bay, Mich. The top female finishers were: 1) Britney Whitehead, of Elgin, 2) Kelsey Kilrea of La Grange, and 3) Kelsey’s sister Keegan Kilrea, also of La Grange.
Mascots from Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South and Hinsdale Central high schools were there to greet racers as they crossed the finish line. The Downers Grove South eight-piece jazz combo also played through sub-freezing temperatures by tuning down one-half a step so their horns could stay in tune.
“My husband loved a good party, and he would have loved this race. Thanksgiving was always his favorite holiday so it just makes sense to hold the race on this day,” said Annette Bonfield, president of the Bonfield Express Foundation and widow of Jim Bonfield.
Funds generated through the race provide scholarship assistance to select students who reflect Jim Bonfield’s personal example of character, commitment and love of community. Since 2004, the Bonfield Express Foundation has distributed more than $250,000 in scholarships to more than 128 seniors attending Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, Hinsdale Central, Hinsdale South, Lisle and Westmont high schools.