On Saturday, the day before Easter, Palos Heights residents are expected to see an Easter bunny hopping down their streets. Well, at least it will be jogging.
Runners and walkers are scheduled to accompany the famous bunny during the annual Chocolate Chase Rabbit Race.
The Palos Heights Recreation Department will host the 5K race that will proceed through the Navajo neighborhood, across the street from the recreation center. Start time is 9 a.m.
“It is just a really fun time for people,” said Joe Smith, program supervisor for the Recreation Department. “We have some people dress up and just take it to another level. But we have a great mix of competitive racers and walkers.”
For the past 10 years, a race has been run in Palos Heights. However, seven years ago the department kicked things up a notch and reorganized it as the Chocolate Chase Rabbit Race. After the race, runners can feast on chocolate-covered strawberries from Diane’s Place, a variety of food and more chocolate than anyone can handle, Smith said.
He said he expects at least 450 participants, but the race can accommodate more.
“One year, the weather was just perfect and we had 675 people,” Smith said.
Richard Facko, owner of Palos Pediatric Dentistry, is a sponsor of the event and will run with his wife, Cassie, and his three children, Lexie, 4, Rich, 3, and Marie, five months.
“You know I’m gong to end up pushing a stroller along the route,” Facko said. “But it’s just a really nice neighborhood race along quiet streets with no traffic. And it has a nice local feel to it, with lots of friends and family. They have different activities, so the kids enjoy it too, and have fun in a safe environment.”
Prizes will be given out to the top three overall males and females, and the top three in a variety age groups, male and female.
Pre-registration is $27, and $32 the day of the event. For more information, call 708-361-1807.
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Patricia Trebe is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.