Sunday, October 22, marked the first “running” of the Library Loop 5K. We were delighted to welcome 139 runners and walkers of all ages, Stew Cohen of 103.9 The Fox and STAR 105.5, the student-led band The Last Resorts, H.D. Jacobs High School advisors, and 2016 Olympic silver medalist and Jacobs graduate Evan Jager.
Fortunately, the rain held off until most of the participants cleared the finish line, but then the sky opened up into a torrential downpour! Runners, walkers, and volunteers collected in the library lobby afterwards for the awards presentation, including prizes provided by Bear Paddle Swim School, Jimmy Johns, The Running Depot, Bella Vita Spa, Message Envy, and Starbucks.
Local radio news personality Stew Cohen (103.9 The Fox and STAR 105.5) emceed the event, introducing and dedicating a song he wrote upon the occasion of Evan Jager wining his silver medal, called "Run, Evan, Run." The song was arranged and performed by The Resorts, a local band with members hailing from the H.D. Jacobs High School Music Industry Club.
The Resorts played several songs prior to the race, providing entertainment and energy for all attendees. Algonquin native Evan Jager, 2016 Olympic silver medalist in the 3,000-meter steeplechase event, joined AAPLD as a special guest, greeting participants, signing autographs, and taking photos. Jager saw runners and walkers off at the start, and helped hand out medals to all finishers and prizes to 1st place finishers.
With the completion of the expansion and renovation of library facilities, the Board looks to fill the new spaces with cutting-edge technology and more innovative programs. And sometimes these items fall outside the library’s set budget. As part of their strategic plan, the Library Board of Trustees and AAPLD staff have been exploring alternative revenue sources and pursuing fundraising options. A race committee led by Theresa Therens, the library's administrative assistant, was created earlier this year. The committee developed the 5K USATF-certified course IL-17006-JW that wound around the neighborhoods and park district walking paths surrounding the library. Race times for all finishers are available online.
The library would like to thank the wonderful sponsors of the race:
- Friends of the Algonquin Area Public Library
- Shales McNutt Construction
- EBSCO
- Midwest Tape
- Gale Cengage Learning
- Dawson Insurance
- Dewberry Architects
- CL Graphics
- Holiday Inn Express
- BioFreeze
- Starbucks Coffee
- Meijer
- The Running Depot
- Bella Vita Spa
- Massage Envy
- Einstein Bros. Bagels
- Bear Paddle Swim School
- Jimmy Johns
