Runners, Walkers Asked to Join the Human Race

A new 5K race that will be held this spring, is going to give runners the chance to choose where their dollars go. 

Road races typically raise funds for one organization, but the Human Race, being held in April, will allow runners to choose, which local organization they want to support.

The Human Race is being held for the first time on April 21 and will benefit area nonprofits, said Kathy Blair, Executive Director of Giving DuPage. The event will tie in with National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 15-21. 

Along with the 5K there will be a 2 mile fitness walk and dogs are allowed on the walk.

“There is a tremendous amount of good work being done in our community and many of our organizations do not have the time or resources to host an event like this.  The Giving DuPage Board is thrilled to coordinate this event, which we hope will bring the community together to support our outstanding non-profit community,” Blair said. 

Giving DuPage is the convening organization, helping to organize and host the event, Blair said. 

“The nonprofits, it’s their race,” she said. “When you register you select who you want to receive the fund and then do fundraising.”

The money for the entry fee gets split 60-40 between the nonprofit and Giving DuPage. So, a $25 entry will have $15 going to the chosen agency and $10 to Giving DuPage.

“We are trying to help the agencies raise money and raise awareness,” Blair said.

The top fundraising organizations, top fundraising individual, organization with the most participants and organization with the most fundraisers will also get cash prizes to benefit the organizations.

Registration for the event is open, and Blair said, “It’s really cool to see the money funneling in to the organizations.”

The Human Race Will Take Place at 9 a.m. April 21 at Danada Forest Preserve, 3S580 Naperville Road, Wheaton. Learn more about the race and the participating nonprofits at Giving DuPage.