Hundreds gathered for the Dash Around the Lake 5k Run/Walk, now in its 11th year, on the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary campus in Mundelein.
This community-driven fundraising event, hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Libertyville, is a picturesque race and walk event with over 400 participants annually, linked to a parish network of volunteers that makes it feel more like extended family.
Co-Chairs Rolando Gonzalez and Jim Leffelman and their committee, Bob Bachochin and Ron Hodap, oversee church and community volunteers and business partners for the event.
The race, according to Gonzalez, is as much about the love of running as it is about supporting local charities.
“The success of our event comes from the winning combination of support from local businesses and our volunteers who share the common mindset of helping those in need,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez says all net proceeds from the race go to support local charities like Bed Building Ministry, Food Pantry, St. Joseph Youth Group service projects, A Safe Place, Fill A Heart for kids, Habitat for Humanity, Lambs Farm, The Dennis Mudd Foundation, Merci Home for Boys and Girls, Misericordia 4874 and many others.
The race invited all ages and experience levels to participate. At 9 a.m., runners took the front position at the start line, followed by walkers.
Sisters Stephanie and Samantha McNulty of Mundelein say they have always enjoyed running with family and Saturdays’ Dash Around the Lake was no exception.
“For years, my sister and I like to run races together and now we are adding the next generation to our experience, we just put on our running shoes and go,” Stephanie McNulty said.
Online pre-race registration was $35 for adults and $20 for kids, ages 6 – 18, with an awards ceremony with medals awarded by age divisions.
Michael Ortlieb of Chicago participated in Saturday’s race.
“Of the many races in the greater Chicagoland area, this 3.1-mile loop around St. Mary’s Lake is by far the most beautiful 5k race around,” Ortlieb said.
Ana Guimaraes of Libertyville says that as a cancer survivor, running Saturday’s race is part of her healing process.
Joanne Wakeman of Libertyville, with a time of 22 minutes and 7 seconds, was the first woman to cross the finish line.
“My mantra is always run on your birthday and smile even when it hurts,” Wakeman said.
Saturday’s overall Dash Around the Lake 5k winner was 19-year-old James O’Keeffe of Libertyville, with a time of 17 minutes and 21 seconds.
O’Keeffe was joined by his mother, Elaine O’Keeffe, who also ran and placed in Saturday’s race.
O’Keeffe attributes his speed and agility to being raised in an athletic family originally from County Cork, Ireland.
“Running is the only sport where all you need are your two legs and a pair of running shoes, you can just do it, it’s all up to you,” O’Keeffe said.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
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