This year’s Highland Park Run — which included a half-marathon, 5K and 1-mile walk — attracted nearly 2,500 participants downtown Sunday.
The race start was east of Port Clinton Square, at Central and St. Johns avenues.
Dan Lakin of Chicago, race director with Buffalo Grove-based Ventures Endurance, said new this year for what was formerly known as the North Shore Classic was an expanded after-race picnic.
“This is the 46th running of what was the North Shore Classic,” he said.
Last year, the race name included the phrase “Highland Park Strong,” due to the July 4, 2022 parade shooting.
“Then, following the community’s lead, we’ve removed the ‘Highland Park Strong’ after some advice from the city,” Lakin said. “And what stuck out to me last year is the need for community. The race really kind of finished and people went home.”
This year, people lingered after the run with new amenities and attractions, enjoying treats, grilled brats and complimentary beverages.
“We start together, we finish together and we share in community in the post-race picnic,” Lakin said.
The picnic featured entertainment, a children’s play area and community group tables at The Lot.
“We want people to hang out, and be part of each other and share,” he said.
At the picnic, people took turns standing in front of a step and repeat backdrop to take photos with their medals.
Proud of a first-place medal was the family of Emiliano Vieyra, 13, a rising eighth-grader from Joliet, who came in first in the 5K race with a time of 17:53.
Emiliano’s father Alex participated in the half-marathon and brother Alejandro Jr., 18, of the Joliet West High School Class of 2024 who came in third in the 5K.
“I’m very proud of him,” Alejandro Jr. said of brother Emiliano and the 5K win. “He really puts in the work.”
This year was the first time Emiliano attempted the Highland Park race.
“It feels really good,” he said of being the first-place 5K finisher. “It was fun, but it’s really hilly though.”
Lakin said 175 volunteers assisted to help make the event a successful fundraiser for the Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF). This year, the race raised $8,000.
HPCF executive director Terri Olian spoke of being, “so grateful” as foundation charity partner again this year.
“The donations we receive will be used for HPCF Recovery Fund grants to nonprofits to address continuing needs of those who were impacted by the Highland Park shooting,” Olian said. “Like this race, which not only nourishes people’s bodies and minds but also builds community, those funds will be used to help individuals, which strengthens our entire community.”
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Highland Park, stood on a raised platform at the start line with Olian as Nikki Morgan of Chicago sang the national anthem.
“I think in the aftermath of the shooting two years ago, the community coming together, joining arms, literally, and showing support…it’s just a special day for the community,” Schneider said.
Playing at the post-race picnic were Highland Park cousins Zoe Mollen, almost 2, and Romy Elrod, 3, with Romy’s baby doll named Elephant.
Romy’s father Daniel Elrod said, “It’s fun to gather as a community especially after everything that this community has been through. It’s nice that everyone’s able to gather again.”
Zoe’s father Russell Mollen said, “It’s great to be part of the community and hang out with everybody.”
