Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk Returns May 21 In Northbrook

Northbrook IL

21 April, 2022

10:22 AM

Description

NORTHBROOK, IL — An annual spring tradition returns next month in Northbrook. The 21st Annual Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk, 1 Mile Run will take place on Saturday, May 21, at Maple School, 2370 Shermer Road. According to Northbrook/Glenview School District 30, the 5K will take place at 8 a.m., the 1-mile run is set for 9 a.m., and the new Little Lew 50-yard dash (for ages 6 and under) begins at 9:30 a.m. This year, other new additions to the event include an online silent auction and a "Smile Mile" at Mile 2, sponsored by Dentistry For Kids, Ltd., where a photographer will be taking photos and post them on the Lew Blond Run's Instagram. District 30 has collaborated with the Lew Blond Memorial 5K Organization, a non-profit organization, to host the 5K and 1-mile run for the past 20 years. The Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk is held to honor Lew Blond, a Maple School teacher who passed away from Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) in February 2000. "He was an exceptional and dedicated educator of the applied arts and was revered and cherished by his students, his colleagues, and the parents of the children he served. Lew Blond's family has attended and helped support this race since its inception," Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 said in a news release promoting the event. The Lew Blond Run Board of Directors said it appreciates the continued support of this fundraising event, which benefits ALS research through the Les Turner ALS Foundation, supports high school scholarships at Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South High Schools, and special District 30 projects. The 5K course winds through various subdivisions of the Northbrook community, finishing on the south side of Maple School, according to organizers. A police officer will be present to block traffic and allow for the safe crossing of Techny Road. A significant amount of the proceeds benefit ALS research through the Les Turner ALS Foundation, scholarships for prospective teachers at the Glenbrook High Schools, and special District 30 projects. To date 40 scholarships have been awarded, which helps support the students' education and brings honor to the memory of Mr. Blond. "We are proud of our ongoing commitment to the scholarship program and helping find a cure for ALS, the disease that cut short the life of Lew Blond," said Samuel Kurtz, Maple School principal and president of the Lew Blond Memorial 5K Organization. Packet pickup takes place from 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Friday, May 20, at Maple School. Packets will also be available for pickup on race day at Maple School. More details will be shared closer to race day. Registration will also be available at packet pickup. Runners may only pick up packets for other runners if they have a copy of each runner's confirmation email or receipt (email is acceptable). Note: there is no parking allowed on Glenbrook North High School's South parking lot. Parking will be available in the Glenbrook North North and East side parking lots. Additional parking is available at Highland Baking Company on the east side of Shermer Road. No parking will be allowed on Maple School property. Parking will not be allowed on the race course. Sign up for the Lew Blond Run lewblondrun.org by April 30 to be guaranteed a t-shirt. Register: http://lewblondrun.org. Volunteers are also still needed for the Lew Blond Run. Contact Samuel Kurz at [email protected].