Runners Draw Inspiration from Biggest Loser

Inspiration was in abundance for the record crowd that turned up at the Bolingbrook Park District's Summer's Last Blast event late last month.

For the early risers, the race was an opportunity to put their best foot forward on a Saturday morning with a run. For others, it was an opportunity to spend time with family members.

Then there were those who drew inspiration from 65-year-old Jerry Hayes.

Hayes, a Wheaton resident and a winner on the NBC hit reality TV show "The Biggest Loser," lost 177 pounds after being sent home from the show. He won the show's special $100,000 prize for the most weight lost by an eliminated contestant. Hayes and his wife, Estella, represented the oldest couple to compete on the show.

Hayes, after completing the 5K run, passed along his inspirational message.

"You can always do it. You can never be too old to start," he said. "When I started this, I hated stairs. I live in a ranch house so I wouldn't have to do stairs. I think one day I'm going to run the Sears Tower."

Bolingbrook native Enrique Castaneda mustered his inspiration from his family. Along with his 1-year-old son, Enrique III, the elder Castaneda ran the 5K while pushing the stroller throughout the way.

Castaneda, 24, said he wanted to run the 5K because he saw it as a chance to spend time with the ones he loved.

"My wife, it was her idea. I came because she wanted to do this and we wanted to do this as a family," he said.

More than 400 participants registered for the event's kickoff 5k race. All proceeds from the day benefitted the Bolingbrook Park District's  financial aid program.

The morning run was just one of the Last Blast's many events: a five-hour car show featured classic beauties and sleek new models glistening under the afternoon sun; food vendors provided a taste of local cuisine; the dance stage featured dance crews busting a move to a variety of tunes; and a portable climbing wall allowed adventure seekers to make the ascent toward the skies.

Saturday's fishing derby provided a juxtaposition of ideals for some. While aspiring fishermen awaited anxiously to land a big one, others took an easier route by relaxing and taking the approach of letting the fish come to them.

"Fishing, overall, is relaxing," said Cleave Young, of Westmont. "It's frustrating when you lose one, but look at it. Nature ... the water. It's nice."