CHRISTMAS SWEATER SHUFFLE 5K
Haul out the decorated trees, the candy canes, and the mistletoe, and don’t forget to dig deep into the closet or drawer for that special sweater that has provided such holiday cheer. It’s time to “don we now our gay apparel” and bring it on down to the streets of Glen Ellyn where the big guy himself (Santa) will serve as the Grand Marshall for the inaugural Christmas Sweater Shuffle 5K. Glen Ellyn residents, Doug and Lacie Flannery are co-owners and managing partners of the race and Blistering Pace Race Management. They make their careers in the running space, assisting in the production of events such as the Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and Big Sur International Marathon, but they dreamed of bringing something special to their hometown that everyone could be a part of. “We wanted to highlight the charming downtown Glen Ellyn area and the Christmas tree on Main Street,” says Lacie. “We hope to start a holiday tradition for our neighbors, year after year.”
You can run, you can walk, you can just come down and cheer everyone on, and I’m pretty sure you can sing if you want to – all the while benefiting their charity partners: the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry and The Friends of Glen Ellyn Parks. Non-perishable donations will be collected on the day of the event, and proceeds from the registrations will go to both charities to assist with their local missions. For 35 years, the Glen Ellyn Food
Pantry has been distributing groceries to our neighbors in need and most recently distributed 750,000 pounds of fresh, nutritious and sustainable meals to 32,000 individuals. The Friends of Glen Ellyn Parks help preserve open space opportunities and develop recreational resources including funding scholarships to enable all residents, regardless of their economic situation, to participate in Park District programs.
Race participants will receive a special winter beanie hat and a finisher’s medal. Most importantly, Santa will be available at the finish line for photos while your family enjoys milk and cookies.
For more information on this festive event, visit www.christmassweatershuffle.com .
Mindy’s December Giving Inspiration: Help an elderly family member write
ABOUT THE WRITER Mindy Kyle is the owner of Be Inspired Studios and is passionate about helping people discover what brings them joy and to live a full, healthy and happy life. She has her Masters in Fine Arts degree in creative writing from DePaul University and lives in Naperville with her husband, three children and the cutest dog in the land.
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