Bonfield Express Enthusiasm Runs Hot Even in Chilly Weather

Submitted by the Bonfield Express Foundation.

With temperatures hovering in the low 20s, the 11th annual Bonfield Express 5K kicked off in downtown Downers Grove on Thanksgiving morning with more than 5,500 people registered to participate in the event. The race began in 2004 as a way to honor the memory of Downers Grove South father, teacher, dean and coach Jim Bonfield and works to further his message of character, community and commitment.

The top male finishers in the 2014 Bonfield Express 5K were: 1) Dan O’Keefe of Downers Grove, IL, 2) Jack LaLonde, also of Downers Grove, and 3) Ben Wynsma of Suttons Bay, MI. The top female finishers were: 1) Britney Whitehead, of Elgin, IL, 2) Kelsey Kilrea of LaGrange, IL, and 3) Kelsey’s sister Keegan Kilrea also of LaGrange.

One of the largest annual events held in this friendly, western suburb, the race is now a Thanksgiving morning tradition in Downers Grove. It has become so much a part of the local fabric that Kurt Dolson chose this moment to propose to Sarah Claus and the two were engaged near the Bonfield Express starting line just prior to the race. “We were with family and friends and it just felt right,” Ms. Claus said as she complimented her husband-to-be on selecting the “perfect location.”

The homegrown charm of the Bonfield Express 5K began around a small kitchen table where organizers still meet throughout the year to plan for the race. Members of the community, especially those living along its scenic race route, have gotten involved as well over the years, cheering on race runners and walkers from their lawns and porches.

Each year, the Giesler family sets up a lighted stand to distribute “Power Donuts” to racers. “We just love doing this,” said Marsha Giesler. “The people in our community are so nice.” What started out as just a poster and a few donuts later became a hand-built stand with lights so runners could see it. “This whole thing came from the fact that my kids were runners and they thought the idea of having a donut stand for runners ran counter to everything serious runners do,” Giesler explained.

Urban legend among racers also has it that there is a family along the route that hands out bacon to runners and walkers as they pass by their residence. The race route begins in downtown Downers Grove at Main and Grove Streets and loops around the downtown business district before winding its way through charming neighborhood streets.

“It’s a fun thing that we can all participate in before we come back to our Thanksgiving meal,” said Downers Grove resident Peter Leonhardt. This year, 25 members of his family from five different states including IL, WI, MI, FL and TX participated in the Bonfield Express. “It’s just a really fun, family, community activity that’s also a great way to celebrate the life of a teacher.”

Area high school students are also heavily involved in the race, some as racers and others who lend their support as volunteers. Emily Qualizza, a junior at Downers Grove South High School, sang a moving rendition of the national anthem while Alexander Newell, also a junior at Downers Grove South, sounded the train whistle that serves as the official start of the race.

Mascots from Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South and Hinsdale Central high schools were there to greet racers as they crossed the finish line. The Downers Grove South eight-piece jazz combo also played through sub-freezing temperatures by tuning down one-half a step so their horns could stay in tune.

A post-race party was held in the Downers Grove Parking Garage and featured complimentary fruit and bagels provided by Whole Foods and coffee by Peet’s Coffee & Tea, a new addition to the Downers Grove market. The Sohmar School of Holistic Massage and Therapy provided a complimentary “Massage in the Garage” to race participants as well.

“My husband loved a good party, and he would have loved this race. Thanksgiving was always his favorite holiday so it just makes sense to hold the race on this day,” said Annette Bonfield, president of the Bonfield Express Foundation and widow of Jim Bonfield.

Funds generated through the race provide scholarship assistance to select students who reflect Jim Bonfield’s personal example of character, commitment and love of community. Since 2004, the Bonfield Express Foundation has distributed more than $250,000 in scholarships to more than 128 west suburban seniors attending high school at Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, Hinsdale Central, Hinsdale South, Lisle, and Westmont High Schools.

Top photo: Race Director Will Kupisch oversees the kickoff of another successful Bonfield Express 5K on Thanksgiving morning in Downers Grove.
Photo Credit: Dianne Hlinsky

#54 - Kurt Dolson and Sarah Clause cross the finish line at the 2014 Bonfield Express 5K on Thanksgiving morning in Downers Grove. Kurt proposed to Sarah at the starting line of the race.
Photo Credit: Dianne Hlinsky

Power Donuts - Each year the Giesler family of Downers Grove puts up a “Power Donut” stand complete with lights to provide refreshments to race participants along the scenic route of the Bonfield Express 5K.Photo Credit: This photo was obtained from the Village of Downers Grove Facebook page.

#12 - Runners at the starting line of the 2014 Bonfield Express 5K on Thanksgiving morning in Downers Grove.
Photo Credit: Dianne Hlinsky

#17 - Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully addresses runners at the starting line of the 2014 Bonfield Express 5K on Thanksgiving morning in Downers Grove.
Photo Credit: Dianne Hlinsky

#23 - Kickoff of the 2014 Bonfield Express 5K on Thanksgiving morning in Downers Grove.
Photo Credit: Dianne Hlinsky

#27 - Racers running along the scenic race course of the 2014 Bonfield Express 5K on Thanksgiving morning in Downers Grove.Photo Credit: Dianne Hlinsky

#36 - At the finish line of the 2014 Bonfield Express 5K on Thanksgiving morning in Downers Grove.Photo Credit: Dianne Hlinsky

#44 - A Downers Grove North Trojan mascot greets racers at the finish line of the 2014 Bonfield Express 5K on Thanksgiving morning in Downers Grove.Photo Credit: Dianne Hlinsky