BBQ Bolt Run/Walk cooks up summer fun on July 20

DOWNERS GROVE, IL – The Downers Grove Park District is spicing things up this summer with the inaugural BBQ Bolt Run/Walk at 8 am on Saturday, July 20! Starting and finishing at McCollum Park, the BBQ Bolt will bring the community together to celebrate summer with fitness followed by a post-race Picnic in the Park featuring BBQ and beer. Volunteers and spectators are also needed to assist in the creating this summer fun experience!

The BBQ Bolt offers participants the choice of three course distances—5 miles, 5K or 1 mile. Kids ages 12 and under can also enter the 50-meter Dash. The 1-mile option is also open to strollers and dog walkers.

The BBQ Bolt Run/Walk will showcase two of the Downers Grove Park District’s premier community parks. All distances will start and end at McCollum Park located at 6801 Main Street in Downers Grove. The 5-mile race route will loop Ruth K. Powers Park located at 6501 Springside Ave. in Downers Grove. Race maps are available at bbqbolt.org.

The post-race Picnic in the Park at McCollum Park will feature complimentary BBQ sandwiches sponsored by City Barbeque for all registered participants. Participants ages 21 and up also receive a cold Shiner Bock beer. Lemonade will also be available to participants.

For race spectators, Miner Mike’s Adventure Golf Concessions will offer hot dogs, chips and other refreshments available for purchase.

Heather Zoellick, the District’s Corporate and Community Relations Specialist, is the BBQ Bolt Run/Walk Coordinator.

“We are excited to host a Picnic in the Park with BBQ, beer and lemonade for participants to enjoy following the race. The race combined with the picnic, post-race awards, fun activities and sponsor booths, will be a great way for people to jumpstart their Saturday morning in July!” said Zoellick.

Awards will be given to the overall first-place male and female in the 5-Mile and 5K races in addition to age category awards for top male and female finishers in each distance. Participants in the 5-mile, 5K or 1-mile distances will receive a medal and short-sleeve technical T-shirt. Kids ages 12 and under entered in the 50-meter Dash will receive a participation medal.

Race registration is ongoing through the day of the race. Groups of four or more can create a team and receive a $5 discount per person! For more info and to register, visit bbqbolt.org.

Downers Grove Park District is seeking volunteers to assist with the success of the race. All volunteers will receive complimentary breakfast and a volunteer T-shirt. View volunteer roles and sign up at bbqbolt.org.
The BBQ Bolt supports Downers Grove Park District’s inclusion services, through SEASPAR (South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation), for people with disabilities who want to participate in a park district program or activity.

This event is sponsored by City Barbeque of Downers Grove, Athletico Physical Therapy, BMO Harris, CD One Price Cleaners, Chamber630, Community Bank of Downers Grove, Fresh Thyme of Downers Grove, Grove Dental Associates, Lacey Creek Supportive Living, Maple & Main and Two Men and a Truck.

About Downers Grove Park District
The Downers Grove Park District enriches our community through natural area preservation and exceptional recreation, parks, and facilities that inspire memorable experiences. With almost 600 acres of parks and facilities, there are thousands of opportunities for individuals of all ages and interests to grow, play, imagine and explore. Learn more at dgparks.org.