Bureau County Republican

SRRC 5K Run/Walk for the Kids brings in $14,000

OTTAWA — On Aug. 5, nearly 150 participants turned out for Starved Rock Regional Center for Therapy & Child Development’s (formerly Easter Seals of LaSalle and Bureau counties) 5K Run/Walk for the Kids at Ottawa Township High School. The event raised more than $14,000, which will help the organization continue to serve more than 500 children per year.

The SRRC Run/Walk for the Kids is part of Ottawa’s Riverfest and starts and ends at Ottawa Township High School and winds through the historic east side of Ottawa, including the scenic Illinois and Michigan Canal passage. One hundred percent of all money raised at this event remains local, helping local children to achieve their maximum potential.

This year’s event also included a klid’s run and obstacle course. The Ottawa Fire Department helped kick off the kids race and provided tours for the attendees. Each child that participated received a T-shirt and medal.

Runners are timed and the top overall female and male runners receive trophies. Also, runners placing first, second or third in 13 different age categories received medals.

Leading the pack, Ottawa's Ryan Bell placed first overall with a time of 18:32.8 and Annie Needs of Peru placed first for women finishing at 21:52.8. Complete race results can be viewed on www.kankakeeriverrunningclub.com.

Bob Olsen, who has raised significant donations each year for SRRC, crossed the finish line despite painful physical challenges due to being in a fire several years ago. He was honored during the awards and presented a gift for raising more than $4,000 this year.

“I have been raising money for the kids for the last nine years and have brought in about $15,000. Next year for my 10th anniversary, I hope to raise $5,000 for a $20,000 total."

Tracy Beattie, president and CEO of SRRC, said, “I am so thankful to Bob and all of the sponsors, donors, attendees and volunteers that have helped so many children to live, learn and play to their maximum potential. Events like this are what allow us to keep helping hundreds of local children each year.”