Superintendent Christine Droba of North Palos School District 117 led the pack at the Howl Through the Hills 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, finishing first in the race’s tenth year.
It was a full Saturday in Hickory Hills. The city’s 10th annual 5K kicked off the morning, and by afternoon the City Hall parking lot had turned into a Halloween event with horse and carriage rides, face painting, and the annual Trunk or Treat. Both events drew large crowds to City Hall throughout the day.
Droba has been part of the 5K since before she became superintendent of North Palos School District 117, which co-hosts the race with the City of Hickory Hills.
“North Palos School District 117 is proud to co-host the annual Howl Through the Hills 5K Run/Walk with the City of Hickory Hills,” Droba said. “This event holds a special place in my heart. I started running it over ten years ago with Oak Ridge students and staff.”
She said the day is less about competition and more about showing what the district looks like at its best.
“Each year, it’s inspiring to see our students, families, and staff come together for a wellness-focused event that reflects the strength of our community,” she said. “It’s always great to see former students who continue their passion for running long after graduating.”
Droba also recognized Oak Ridge staff members Kenn Gesiakowski, Jonathan Towner, Julia Morra, Sheila O’Riordan, Katelynn Moser, and Angela Gasbarre, who helped students train for the race.
“The students did an amazing job,” she said. “I couldn’t be prouder of their enthusiasm and effort.”
Many runners wore pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event supports the Hickory-Palos Sertoma Club, which helps residents with speech and hearing needs, and Wellness House in Hinsdale, which provides resources for people affected by breast cancer.
Police Chief Adam Gulczynski said taking part is one of his favorite ways to connect with residents.
“I always like the police to be involved with the community,” he said. “Officer Franks does a great job being in the school and showing kids there’s more to the police than just being an authority figure. The teachers were out there running with the kids and encouraging them, too.”
Alderman Scott Zimmerman, who has run nearly every year, joked, “It’s called Howl Through the Hills for a reason; runners don’t get a flat surface out here.”
His daughter Megan has raced it for years. “Even though I’ve moved, I love coming back,” she said. “My parents still live here, so it’s a visit and a run.”
Among the first-timers was Kinga Chudoba, cheering on her 10-year-old son Jacob as he finished his first 5K. “He was so motivated,” she said. “It was his idea to sign up. I was just here cheering him on.”
Alderman Brian Waight, who’s competed in nine of the 10 races, said the event keeps him connected.
Cal and Ronda Howley, have made the race part of their family’s fall routine. “You see everyone out here supporting each other, cheering, helping, just enjoying being part of it,” Ronda Howley said.
After the race, the same parking lot filled again for the city’s Children’s Halloween Party and Trunk or Treat. Car trunks lined the lot, decorated with cobwebs, lights, and pumpkins.
Volunteers from the Hickory Hills Chamber of Commerce handed out candy as children moved from car to car with bags and buckets in hand.
Families stayed for face painting and a magician who drew a steady crowd near the City Hall steps. A horse and carriage made loops nearby while kids waited for rides. Pooh Bear walked by, then a dinosaur, then someone dressed as a chili cheese dog.
The parking lot stayed busy with families lining up for horse carriage rides and kids collecting candy from trunks decorated for Halloween. Music played, people talked, and no one seemed in a rush to leave.
It was a full day in Hickory Hills, starting with the 5K in the morning and ending with costumes and candy in the afternoon.
