Marklund hosting 12th Annual Run, Walk & Roll to support individuals with disabilities

Marklund’s 12th annual Run, Walk & Roll 5K/1 Mile event will take place at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at Marklund Hyde Center, 1S450 Wyatt Drive in Geneva, and wind through the South Mill Creek neighborhood.

The course is USA Track & Field Certified with 5K chip timing, according to a news release from Marklund.

Online registration closed Oct. 16. In-person registration will be accepted at packet pickup dates Oct. 18 and 19 and on race day.

The fundraising goal for this year’s event is $131,000. All net proceeds will support Marklund’s mission to make everyday life possible for those with disabilities, according to the release.

Award medals will be given to the overall male and overall female in the In-Person 5K division, as well as the top two male and female finishers in each of the following divisions: 14 and younger, 15 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 60 and 70 and older.

More than 500 individuals have registered. While the event will be held in-person, Marklund offers a virtual option for those who would prefer to participate at their own locations, according to the release.

Registration fees include a finisher medal, race bib, chipped timing for live 5K participants and online timing entry for virtual 5K participants, sponsor product samples and goodies, according to the release.

All in-person participants will receive entry into the Party in the Park after-race celebration, which will feature food and beverages, information from local vendors, live music from 101.9 The Mix and more, according to the release.

Marklund’s Development Department launched the Run, Walk & Roll in 2013 to raise awareness and support for its programs. The event has generated more than $1.17 million in net proceeds to support children and adults with developmental disabilities, according to the release.

Volunteers are needed to help as course marshals, food tent assistants and registration assistants on the day of the event. Registration is open to anyone 14 and older.

For more information or to become a volunteer, visit marklund.org/5k or contact Lauren Spitler, the race director, at lspitler@marklund.org.

Marklund is a nonprofit organization that provides residential, therapeutic and educational services for individuals with profound developmental disabilities and special health care needs. It operates three campuses in Bloomingdale, Geneva and Elgin, with day schools for students on the autism spectrum and with complex medical needs.