Lou Kafkes of Western Springs is hoping that the Highlands 5K Fun Run and Walk will become the “regular event that kicks off the school year, enjoyed by families for years to come.” The fourth annual event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 1 at Highlands Elementary School, 5850 Laurel Avenue in La Grange Highlands. Proceeds from registration and sponsorships will support the District 106 Educational Foundation. Founded in 1996, this nonprofit organization raises and distributes money to support and enrich programs at Highlands Elementary School and Highlands Middle School. District 106 serves approximately 900 children in grades K-8 from Western Springs, Indian Head Park, La Grange, and La Grange Highlands. To date, the foundation has granted more than $500,000 to the district for enrichment programs reported Kafkes.

The Highlands 5K Fun Run and Walk is becoming an increasingly popular event.

“It’s an event that appeals to the masses and appeals to families to get out together and have fun,” Kafkes said. “It has grown every year. The first year we probably had about 130 participants. Last year we had about 227.”

He added this puts the even on par with other older races in the area. The U.S.A. Track and Field Association certify the racecourse, which both begins and ends at Highlands Elementary School. Because of this certification Kafkes said, it increasingly draws competitive racers from outside of the immediate community. He added that having the opportunity for kids to participate in either the 5K race, or the abbreviated one-mile run that follows immediately, has attracted younger participants.

Kafkes said that the foundation schedules the Highlands 5K Fun Run and Walk on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend each year.

“We’ve got a good date on the calendar … it’s a date that people plan for now,” he said. “They actually look forward to it. It signifies the start of the new school year, and we’re hoping this is becoming a milestone event.”

Participation is $20 per person for the 5K and $10 per person for the one-mile event. A maximum of $50 applies per family. Registration for the Highlands 5K Fun Run and Walk will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1 at Highlands Elementary School. Pre-registration is encouraged by not required. Registration forms can be found at www.district106.net, at the Western Springs Recreation Department, or at various businesses within the village. 

For more information, call Kafkes at (708) 246-7336.