Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk Returns Saturday In Northbrook

NORTHBROOK, IL — A spring tradition in Northbrook returns Saturday with the 22nd annual Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk. The event at Maple School will raise funds for ALS research.

Blond, who was a former applied technology teacher at Maple, died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2000. The progressive disease of the nervous system is often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease.

"We always aim to maintain the grassroots, community spirit of this race while growing the event to include new attractions and memorable moments," said Sam Kurtz, Maple School principal and Lew Blond Run executive director, in a news release.

According to organizers, at this year's event, Q101 Chicago and the Dunkin’ Community Cruiser have offered to be on-site with music, giveaways, and coffee samples for racers.

Last year, organizers launched the Little Lew 50-yard dash for ages 6 and younger. Thirty-five children competed, with mascots from District 30’s Maple, Willowbrook and Wescott schools welcoming the young sprinters to the finish line.

Also in 2022, the run had its inaugural silent auction that opens roughly six weeks before the race at lewblond.org, and accepts bids until race day. Items are donated by local businesses and residents, including autographed sports memorabilia, fashion items, food and beverage packages, massage packages, and packages for kids in sports and more.

“We have been so delighted with our racers’ participation in the auction, and we are grateful to our local business supporters for offering such wonderful items that span a wide range of interests and ages,” auction organizer Ritu Singal said.

In addition, the race traditionally includes a pre-race group stretch led by a professional fitness studio, live DJ music, refreshments, an awards ceremony, race prizes. There is also a business expo that features sponsors that include Goldfish Swim School, Elements Massage of Glenview, ultiFIT and Sweetgreen restaurant in Northbrook, according to organizers.

The majority of the event's proceeds over the years have been donated to the Les Turner ALS Foundation to help support research efforts, and to the Stuart Rosen Transportation Fund.
Proceeds also have been used to help support scholarships for District 30 alums at Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South high schools pursuing the applied sciences, as well as for special projects at Northbrook/Glenview School District 30.

For those who wish to support the Lew Blond Run, registration is being accepted at lewblondrun.org, during race packet pickup from 4-6 p.m. May 19 at Maple School, and on race day at Maple before the 8 a.m. start time.