In a slightly different approach than usual, the Oak Brook Park District’s annual Pink 5K for breast cancer is returning Oct. 2 with an in-person event and an option to participate virtually any day of the month.
“The Pink 5k is a very special event to the community, and everyone deserves the opportunity to participate comfortably. It is, for this reason, we also invite the community to participate virtually throughout the month of Oct.,” Executive Director, Laure Kosey said in a news release.
The in-person run or walk starts at 8 a.m. near 1450 Forest Gate Road, but individuals can also complete the Pink 5k in their own neighborhood or a dedicated course in the park.
The chip-timed 3.1 mile race follows a scenic route through Central Park in Oak Brook with a portion of it along Ginger Creek. The timing chips, however, are only available to those registered for the in-person run — not virtual — but T-shirts are provided to both.
Event organizers welcome walkers, strollers and wheelchairs, but ask those that will not be running to start closer to the back of the line to allow runners to make their best time.
The top three finishers in each age group will receive a medal, though due to COVID-19 precautions, the results will be posted on the Park District’s website and medals will be available for pick up instead of an after-race ceremony.
Preregistration, which is open until 4 p.m. Oct. 1, is $35 per individual for both the in-person and hybrid model and $40 if you register on race day.
Race officials said runners can pick up their race packets at the Family Recreation Center on 1450 Forest Gate Road, from 9 a.m. — 8 p.m., Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
A portion of the registration fee will be donated to Open Arms Breast Cancer Outreach Fund, Hinsdale Hospital Foundation. More details can be found at www.obparks.org/special-events/pink-5k.