MOUNT GREENWOOD — The Run Under the Oaks 5K will take runners and walkers through the grounds of Mount Greenwood Park and the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences.
The chip-timed race will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday near 112th Place and Central Park Avenue, according to Mary Gill, executive director of the Mount Greenwood Community And Business Association.
The proceeds from the race will be used to help beautify the neighborhood's 111th Street shopping district. Gill wants to fill the planter boxes in the fall and perhaps the winter. The boxes are now only planted in the summer months.
She also hopes to use a portion of the proceeds to help pay for the group's annual Holiday Stroll, ice cream socials, business breakfasts and more, Gill said.
It costs $30 per person to participate in the race and a $2.50 fee is applied to online registrations. All runners will receive a T-shirt and goodie bag, and awards will be given to first-, second- and third-place finishers, Gill said.
"I think [the 5K] really takes advantage of our public green spaces," said Gill, adding that she hopes many families come to participate in the off-street race.
The usual post-race massages and snacks will be available, but Gill is also hosting a party featuring live music and food trucks for those who cross the finish line and others. This event will take place at St. Christina Parish's fields on the southwest corner of 111th Street and Central Park Avenue.
Gill encouraged anyone interested to bring their coolers to the post-race party and enjoy the music as well as meet with friends and neighbors.
Gill was inspired to organize the race by the Mount Greenwood Family 5K Fun Run, which raised money for the Special Recreation Association at Mount Greenwood Park. That 5K hasn't been around for awhile, but Gill said she too would like to donate a portion of the proceeds to the group — depending on how much is raised in the inaugural race.
For more information, contact the association at 773-881-0622.
