Yasmin Contreras of Oswego is a recent graduate of Waubonsee Community College and decided Saturday morning that a run around her former campus would be a good way to give back to students who will be attending classes there in the future.
“I’ve done this race before and I was a student here a few years ago,” Contreras said at the Waubonsee Foundation Trail Run fundraiser at the college’s Sugar Grove campus. “I saw a notice about it in my email and I thought – let’s do it.”
The event on Saturday featured 5K and 10K courses, with funds raised used for scholarships for those hoping to attend the community college.
The race, now in its sixth year, has raised over $50,000 for student scholarships, officials said, adding that this year’s race was “expected to raise another $10,000 to $12,000.”
Emma Donatille, executive director of the Waubonsee Foundation, said the event has proven to be popular.
“Over the years, we have seen participation increase and, I can tell you, this year’s race will be the largest we’ve ever had,” Donatille said, with more than 300 participants registered by Friday morning.
Donatille said the event “is like a cross-country race through the trails that surround our campus which makes our race one of the more unique.”
The 5K race attracts far more participants “including many who stroll and drink their coffee and enjoy the scenery,” Donatille said.
Awards included a finisher medal, something that Donatille said was new this year.
“What’s so great about these medals – we actually had our computer-aided design club … design and produce all these medals in-house,” she said. “We have a medal for the 5K finishers, one for the 10K and one for the kids as well and they have all been produced by the students.”
Three food trucks were on hand to feed hungry racers before and after the event. There was also music, a photo booth and more at the fundraising run, organizers said.
Dave Vievrock, 61, of Geneva, was running the race for the first time on Saturday.
“I did a couple of 5Ks here and there, and I happened to be going to school here and it’s a beautiful campus and I thought I’d give it a try,” Vievrock said as he put on his racing jersey. “I know this is a trail run and I like that.”
Participant Chuck VanHyning of Naperville said he is “a novice” when it comes to running.
More Top Picks Best Plunge Tub Alternatives
“I let my 13-year-old daughter talk me into running a half marathon in October so I’m just getting going on my training,” he said. “My goal is to just finish and spend some time with my sister-in-law and niece and enjoy the day.”
Dana Wood of Yorkville said she used to run weekly but admitted she was “going to be a walker” at Saturday’s event.
“I love getting out here on the trails because they’re gorgeous. I’m so happy to be out here,” she said.
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.