ENGLEWOOD — The first competitive running event in Englewood — Sunday's "Ditch the Weight and Guns 5K Run and Walk" — more than exceeded the organizers' expectations.
About 900 people registered for the run, doubling the number organizer Ariana Taylor had hoped for.
"I am overwhelmed by the amount of support that was given," Taylor said Monday morning in an email.
Taylor, 23 of West Pullman, said the event brought about "a sense of community."
It "brought tears to my, and Andrea's, eyes," Taylor said, referring to fellow organizer Andrea Natay, owner of Forever Fitness Chicago, host of the event. "We truly wanted to show people that a positive event can happen anywhere in the city of Chicago, specifically in the Greater Englewood community."
#Englewood5k #teamenglewood pic.twitter.com/O24IUwrS1l
— Missy (@Missyteaches) November 2, 2014The 3.1-mile route began and ended at Ogden Park, taking runners and walkers on Marquette Road, Morgan Street, 71st Street, Damen Avenue and Loomis Street in the process.
Earnesto Ramirez finished first, winning a $300 Target gift card and a $50 Fleet Feet gift certificate. Jose Lopez finished second, claiming four White Sox tickets, and Paul Steinle finished third, receiving a Bears helmet signed by rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller and a $100 Universal Sole gift certificate.
"We look forward to making this an annual event, and we hope that everyone will not only participate again, but use the resources and connections that were offered today to become more involved in our communities," Taylor said.
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