Judd Kendall Running / Walking Team
Thank you to all who came out for the Cantigny 5K Run and Walk. It was the first team event since our shirts arrived. We had over 20 team members and family participating and it was great to see so many of our shirts on the course. The Cantigny grounds are always a beautiful setting for a run or a walk and this year’s weather of partial sun, cool temperature and no wind was great for running. While most of us participate in events like this for the exercise and to enjoy the company of others, some of our team members brought home some hardware. Fran McGrath took 1st place in her age group, Pablo Araya took 2nd in the highly competitive 45 to 49 age bracket and Mike McGrath placed third in his age group. That is quite impressive. Dave Szabewski, Terri Stone, Mickey Guth and Phil Maughan all placed in the top half of their respective age groups. I do want to stress that congratulations are in order to all who participated in this event. It is wonderful to have so many individuals from our two posts able and interested in participating in events of this type. The team picture is attached. The next and last team event of this year is Naperville’s Turkey Trot. This 5K race and walk starts at 8:00 AM on Thanksgiving morning from just south of Naperville Central High School. It is one of the largest 5K in the Chicago area with a cap of 5,500 participants. As of this moment, they are not sold out but advance registration is recommended. Indeed, you save money by registering early. Signing up on line (www.napervilleturkeytrot.com) by midnight November 21 costs $25. Advance sign up by mail costs $30 and race day registration (if not sold out) is $40. While this event attracts many more participants than Cantigny, the Turkey Trot does not feel excessively crowded. They try hard to get people to line up by pace and the city streets are much wider than the Cantigny golf cart paths. It is always a good way to get some early morning fresh air and work up an appetite for a big Thanksgiving meal. We will take a team picture at 7:30 AM in the NCHS gym near the Belgio’s Catering food table. Hope to see you there. Terri Stone and I are working with Meg at Road Runner Sports on details for our next shirt order opportunity and will have details for you soon. In addition, Meg is developing on a training program for us targeting a spring 5K. This would address both runners and walkers and both first timers and experienced participants. On a more immediate basis, Road Runner Sports is hosting a Health Fair and Food Drive on Sunday, November 21 from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM. This is an excellent opportunity for you to learn about local health resources, upcoming events and to give back to our community. The store will collect food and personal hygiene items that day on behalf of the Green Harvest Food Pantry in Plainfield. See the attachment for a full list of items needed. Please considering stopping by Road Runner Sports (75th St and Fort Hill Dr) on Sunday to help yourself and those in living in our community who are need.