'Run for Kelli' Honoring Teen's Memory Gets Underway Sunday

Like her middle name, Kelli Joy O’Laughlin brought joy to all who knew her, especially to her parents, John and Brenda. Cross country was one of Kelli’s favorite sports and this Sunday, Sept. 18, the fourth annual “Run for Kelli” gets underway at Lyons Township High School’s South Campus at 4900 S. Willow Springs Road, Western Springs.

The run has become wildly popular among Chicago-area runners over the past four years because it runs the same course used by the LTHS cross country team. Last year’s event drew more than 900 participants. Awards will be given to the top finishers.

The event includes a 5K run and a one-mile walk. There is also a 50-yard dash for young folks age 8 and under. The run starts at 9 a.m., with walkers stepping off at 9:30 a.m. Raffles, food, drink and a DJ are also featured. Registration is $35 with proceeds going toward the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation.

This kind and caring teen was 14 when she was tragically slain during a home invasion in her Indian Park home in 2011. Her parents have chosen instead to remember their daughter with joy by creating a foundation in Kelli's memory to help other young people realize their dreams.

Over the past four years, the foundation has awarded $300,000 in scholarships in to financially disadvantaged high school students. The foundation also provides advocacy for children in the Cook County Fifth Municipal District Court and gifts for wards of the state in Maryville Academy.

For more information about the cross country walk and run, visit the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation.