PORTAGE PARK — Runners decked out in their finest tutus will take to the streets of Portage Park Sunday to raise money for arts programs in Chicago's schools, organizers said.
Hosted by the Chicago Ballet Center, the Tutu Trot will offer a one-kilometer course and a five-kilometer course, said Paul Abrahamson, the director of the center.
The race will start at 9 a.m. Sunday at 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave., in front of the Chicago Ballet Center's future home in the Six Corners Shopping District, which is under construction. The center has been holding classes around the corner since fall 2014, when it moved from Logan Square.
Arts programs have been cut at schools across the city as Chicago Public Schools officials strive to close what they say is a $1.1 billion budget deficit.
"Creativity is at the core of all learning," Abrahamson said. "Learning a new concept in math or science is putting ideas or facts together in a new way. The brain is being creative. Exercising and strengthening the creative mind will produce better thinkers. A creative mind is a learning mind."
Runners are strongly encouraged to wear a tutu — but pointe shoes are better left at home, organizers said.
Registration for the race is available online and on the day of the race, but last-minute participants will get an official race T-shirt in the mail, organizers said.
The cost for the 5K run is $48, while the 1K race is $30. Group and family packages are available.
For more information, email Abrahamson at director@chicagoballetcenter.org.
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