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Oak Brook race raises funds for cancer research
Julie (left) and Kylie Pressoir of Skokie watch the runners begin the second annual Oak Brook Park District 5k at the Family Recreation Cener on Sunday in the race to help fight breast cancer. | Photos by Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun Times Media
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Updated: July 16, 2012 1:26AM
The weather forecast may have been dreary and wet Saturday, but a sea of pink and the overwhelming feeling of optimism and hope that was brought by 433 runners and walkers and hundreds of spectators brightened the mood in Central Park during the Oak Brook Park District’s second annual Pink 5k.
The Park District presented a check for $6,000 from the proceeds of the race to the Adventist Hinsdale Hospital Foundation Open Arms Breast Cancer Fund for its 40 Free Mammograms for 40 Women program in October. The Park District originally pledged $2,500, but support from the community and more than quadrupled registration numbers allowed the Park District to increase its donation. There was an additional $360 raised through individual donations from participants.
“I can’t tell you how excited our team is to provide our first “40 for 40” event, and know that we are actually helping women and possibly saving lives,” said Sandy Mueller, associate director of oncology outreach for Adventist Midwest Health. “There is nothing more motivating than knowing you are making an actual difference.”
The Park District reports that there were 594 people registered for the race and despite an early lightening detection scare, the race began on time.
“The weather did keep some people away,” said Jessica Alexenko, marketing manager for the Park District, “but the majority of our participants braved the elements and we ended up with an outstanding event.”
The overall male winner was Joshua Max of Homewood-Flossmoor, with a time of 16:00 (5:09 pace). The overall female winner was Susan Duteau of Hinsdale, who finished at 21:02 (6:47 pace).
A list of times and winners for each age bracket can be found at www.obparks.org.
