The endless and daunting hills didn’t stop runners of all ages from taking to the streets of Hickory Hills for the 11th annual Howl Through the Hills 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 24.
The event, which began at 9 a.m., started at Hickory Hills City Hall and unfolded on a beautiful, sunny fall day.
“This day is one of my favorites in the whole city,” Hickory Hills Mayor Mike Howley said. “It’s a great day, great family day, and we’ve been fortunate with really good weather on these day.”
The event is co-hosted by the city as well as North Palos School District 117. Since their collaboration, more and more young runners have participated in the event.
“The school district has been a wonderful partner,” Howley said. “It has gotten the kids interested in running at an early age and faculty and staff all come out.”
Oak Ridge physical education teacher Kenn Gesiakowski, a participant and key motivator for young runners, leads several after school activities including a run club.
“I think it is my job to be a good role model,” Gesiakowski said.” “When kids get motivated this young, it carries on through the years.”
Just a couple of weeks removed from running the Chicago Marathon, 53-year-old Fernando Rodriguez finished first overall with a run time of 22:14.
“It was a lot of hills, but it was good,” Rodriguez said.
The race’s proceeds went to the Hickory-Palos Sertoma Club that supports children and adults in need of hearing services and the Wellness House in Hinsdale that supports those living with cancer.
“The two are wonderful organizations that both the school district and the city are proud to support,” Howley said.
11-year-old Brooklyn Moore runs cross country at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School and has Olympic aspirations. In her first time running this event, she was the first girl to cross the finish line with a 24:01 time.
“It was tiring because of all the hills but I liked it,” Moore said.”
Not only were the hills a factor for Moore, but the other runners on the course gave her the extra motivation she needed.
“If I saw a little kid younger than me in front of me, I wanted to keep running more so I could be faster,” Moore said.
After the race finished, attendees enjoyed water and bananas as they intermingled while awaiting medals.
Conrady art teacher Kristin Brudzisz was a participant and some of her art club students even had their artwork on display.
In between handing out medals, Howley expressed his appreciation of the club and their motivational artwork. Multiple large boards were behind him with different messages.
One read, “It’s okay to struggle. It’s not okay to give up.”
He liked them so much, he asked to keep them around all day so that those attending the Children’s Halloween Party and Hills Chamber Trunk or Treat in the same spot can see their work.
Between the 5k and the adaptive dash, around 250 participated and another 100 came out to support, leaving many excited about doing it again.
“I love it, especially on a nice day like today,” Gesiakowski said. “It’s encouraging for us to see the families supporting the kids and cheering them on, and hopefully they’ll continue in the future years.”
“It’s really heartwarming to see everybody have such a great time,” Howley said.
