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Kilbride Family Classic run/walk for autism  Share
This Father's Day, runners and walkers of all ages and abilities and their families will head to Cobb Park in Kankakee for the l4th Annual Kilbride Family Classic 5k Run and 2-Mile Walk for Autism. The event will benefit the Kankakee Valley Chapter of the Autism Society of America (ASA) and the national organization, Autism Speaks. It is sponsored by Eastcourt Village Apartments. A true family-oriented event, the run and walk begin at 8 a.m. The racecourse winds through Kankakee's Historic Riverview District on secured and marked city streets and will be monitored by volunteers. There is one water station on the route. For the third year, the event includes a short run for children (age 10 and under) that begins shortly after the last runners and walkers have crossed the finish line.
Preregistration through June 18 is encouraged. The price is $15 per participant. Race-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and is $20 per participant. All participants have their choice of a commemorative polo-style shirt or T-shirt. Teams with financial sponsors are encouraged. Preregistration packets can be picked up on June 20, from noon to 4 p.m. at 1182 S. Wildwood Avenue in Kankakee. Otherwise, all packets will be available for pick-up on race day. Awards for the 5k run will be presented to the top three overall winners and to the top three divisional winners. The top 10 walkers will receive awards and all children will be honored with a race-day ribbon. An award for the high school with the most participants will be presented as well. The Father's Day event is a tradition for the family of Gerry and Judy Kilbride of Kankakee. As a family, they participated in a local 5k race on Father's Day for 12 years. When that race was discontinued, they vowed to keep the tradition going by organizing their own Father's Day 5k. Eight years ago, they put a personal spin on the event by converting it to a fund-raiser for autism. ''As a family, we decided that our run/walk could be used as a tool to raise awareness and funds to help fight a disorder that is very close to our hearts - autism,'' Judy said. ''Almost 14 years ago, our beautiful grandson, Scotty, was diagnosed with autism. He has come a long way, but he is not cured.'' Proceeds from the event are donated to the Kankakee Valley Chapter of the Autism Society of America and to the national organization, Autism Speaks. Both groups serve the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy, education and public awareness. Last year, the event donated more than $15,000 to these organizations. For more information about the Kilbride 5k Run and 2-Mile Walk, call 815-932-3885, go to www.runforautism.com, or write to jlkilbride@sbcglobal.net. Russell Publications prints several community newspapers each week, serving Will, Kankakee and Cook counties.
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