St. Catherine charges forward with 5k run

Oak Lawn friends, Jake Hollock, 10, and Ronan Brown, 10, were excited to take part in St. Catherine of Alexandria’s annual 5k on Saturday morning.

By Kelly White

Students woke up bright and early but not to head to the classroom.

St. Catherine of Alexandria School, 10621 S. Kedvale, Oak Lawn, hosted its 12th annual Charge on 5K on Saturday, August 19.

“I’ve been doing this every year, since it started more than a decade ago,” Erin Heidemann, of Oak Lawn, said. “It’s a great neighborhood run and the weather is usually beautiful for it, like it is today. It’s just a wonderful way to kick-start the school year and get our steps in. This is by far my favorite St. Catherine event. I look forward to it every year.”

Taking place at Lawn Manor Park, 108th and Kostner Oak Lawn, the 5k was organized by St. Catherine of Alexandria’s Family School Association.

It offered plenty of options for participants, including a SCA Student Runner/Walker and a 5k Runner/Walker. New this year for the youngsters was a Color Run Kids Race for students age 11 and younger.

The Color Run, or its color throwing part, is inspired by the colorful aspect of the Holi festival. It blends the color throwing with running and fundraising to promote health awareness. As part of the 5K race, the Color Run promotes health and happiness for children, rather than stress associated with running.

“We have been doing this run for 12 years but this year we wanted more family fun for our parish and neighborhood so we introduced some color for the kids run,” Angela Jordan, of Oak Lawn and St. Catherine of Alexandria’s 5K chairperson, said. “It has really proved to be desirable, with more than 140 children participating.”

Including the Color Run participants, a total of 250 people gathered together Saturday morning to join in on the healthy morning fun.

“We kick off our school year with this run and our parish picnic,” Jordan said. “It is a day filled with lots of fun and positive energy. Our entire Oak Lawn community shows up along the route cheering everyone on.”

A lot of work goes into set up and volunteers begin the day bright and early at 5:30 in the morning. Check in started an hour later, with the race kicking off at 8 o’clock. The parish picnic followed a few hours later, giving everyone a chance to unwind and relax after a morning’s run.

The cost to take part was $30 for runner/walker, with SCA Student Athletes at $20 and Kids Color Fun Run at $10.

Last year, a total of $8,000 was raised with a net profit of $3,323, and this year should not be any different, according to parish officials, who were hoping to raise $10,000 with a net profit of at least $5,000.

Funds will go directly towards many different needs from students needing flexible seats, water filling station, classroom educational enhancements and educational activities.

St. Catherine of Alexandria School, 10621 S. Kedvale, Oak Lawn, hosted its 12th annual Charge on 5K on August 19.