Forest Park District 91 students will compete in the only known area 3K “Go The Distance” race from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on May 4 at the Roos Recreation Center, 7329 W. Harrison St.
“We created a 3K race because nobody else has one, because an elementary school kid can do a 3K. A mile is not quite enough, and a 5K is a little too much. So we created a concept to give them something to feel proud of,” said Jackie Iovinelli, executive director of the Park District of Forest Park.
The 1.87-mile race, which is organized by D91 and the park district, will run through the south side of the park, on a course certified by the nonprofit USA Track & Field organization. D91 is paying for all students to participate.
Children age 5 to 14 who are not enrolled at D91 must pay $5 to compete in the race. Adult residents cost $10 to register; non-residents $15. Register online at pdofp.org.
Nathaniel Powell, program coordinator for community engagement at Rush Oak Park Hospital, estimated that the hospital donated between $300 and $1,000 to the event, making it the primary sponsor.
“It’s a new initiative, it involves health, it involves children, it involves the family and, ultimately, the community,” Powell said. “It’s a fabulous idea, partnering with the school district as they embark on this new 3K race for the children and really uplifting children’s health.”
