Staying fit and “going green” are considered beneficial endeavors.
People can do both at one event Saturday, when Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 and the village of Oak Lawn Green Team host the second annual Go Green 5k Fun Run.
Race day registration is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School, 5345 W. 99th St., Oak Lawn.
The run, which begins at 9 a.m., will take runners along the side streets in the neighborhood around the school. Registration is $5 for individuals and $10 for families, and families are invited to participate as a team.
“We look forward to another great event this year,” District 123 Supt. Paul Enderle said. “This event has proven to be a fun outreach activity that helps bring our community together around the important global themes of conservation and wellness. We hope to engage more families, students and community partners this year.”
District 123 community liaison officer Larry Fetchko and teacher Kathy Ogean, the event organizers, anticipate 200 to 300 participants. Last year’s 5k brought out about 200 participants despite temperatures in the 30s and a light drizzle.
“This race is not a fundraiser,” Fetchko said, “more of an awareness raiser, as it is tied to District 123 and village of Oak Lawn conservation efforts, and in particular the onsite tree nursery located at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School.”
As part of a partnership between the district and the village’s tree nursery program, several native trees have been planted at the northwest corner of the school’s property at 99th Street and 54th Avenue. The plan is for the small trees to grow for a few years and then be transplanted as needed throughout the village. New saplings will be rotated in as necessary.
A new forestry club with about 30 Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School students is focused on study and ongoing care of the tree nursery.
The entry fees will go toward improving the tree nursery.
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This is not a chip-timed event, but the top three male, top three female and top three age 14 and younger finishers will be awarded medals.
“We are trying to appeal to a very broad audience to raise green awareness in a fun and enjoyable way,” Fetchko said. “For that reason, we have less emphasis on the competitive aspect. For those who are a bit more competitive, we have a few medal categories to address that appeal and closely monitor and record the top finish times. A brief medal ceremony follows the race.”
The 5k does bring out some serious runners, Fetchko said, but more participants are family members, including young children and grandparents.
“We keep the race open to all ages and skill levels,” he said.
Those who register in advance can pick up T-shirts at the main entrance of Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday or Friday.
For more information, email Fetchko at [email protected]
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.