Lew Blond Run
2 months (+1 day) to go!
What's new this year?
The annual Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk returns this year at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 18 at Maple School in Northbrook with many favorite features – and some great new highlights!
RACE BUNDLES: This year, you can bundle the 5K and 1-mile races for a discounted prices. There is also discounted pricing for all registrants until April 30.
PACKET PICKUP AT ROAD RUNNER SPORTS + REWARDS: We are also proud to add Road Runner Sports to our list of amazing sponsors! This year, packet pick-up will be at their Wilmette location in Edens Plaza, 3232 Lake Ave., on Friday, May 17 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. -- and Road Runner will make a donation to the Lew Blond Run for every packet picked up! Also, if you join their VIP club during pickup, you can earn $10 rewards cash and current VIP Club members will earn double rewards.
FACE PAINTING: And for our littlest runners, face painting from Wowderland Fairy will also be available.
RETURNING RACE FEATURES AND EVENTS INCLUDE:
- Cash prize for Top 3 finishers in the women's and men's division in both the 5K and 1-mile races.
- Little Lew 50-yard dash for ages 0-6
- Vendor fair including the Dunkin' Cruiser and Q101
- Silent auction
- DJ entertainment
Grill House fundraiser March 18
How to get involved
Volunteer
Not a runner? Don't worry! There are lots of ways to be a part of this special day, including as a volunteer. Roles for people of all ages are available on race day and in advance. Click below to review volunteer options and sign up!
Run or walk
Sponsor
Silent auction preview
A terrific feature of the Lew Blond Run is our silent auction! Take a look at some of the prizes on the auction block, courtesy of our generous local businesses. The list is always growing, so watch your email for the next edition of this newsletter with an updated list, auction open date, and details on how to bid.
- Goldfish Swim School Membership
- Hi-Five Sports Summer Camp (4-weeks)
- A stay at the Sheraton North Shore
- Nexplore USA Chess lessons
- Reserved seats at the 8th-grade graduation
- Waterways 6-month membership
- Illinois Baseball Academy Private Baseball Lessons
- Studio Spin Class Gift Certificate
- Ultimate Ninjas Classes
- Fatty Cakes Chicago Dessert Cart
- Pandaste Birthday Party
Why does the run support a cure for ALS?
It honors one of Maple's own
The run is held to honor Lew Blond, a Maple School teacher who passed away from Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) in February 2000. He was an exceptional and dedicated educator of the applied arts and was cherished by his colleagues, students and their parents. Lew's family has attended and helped support this race since its inception.
Race proceeds benefit the Les Turner ALS Foundation, scholarships for prospective teachers at the Glenbrook High Schools and special District 30 projects. To date, the Lew Blond Run has donated over $225,000 to the foundation.
About ALS & The Les Turner ALS Foundation
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that weakens the muscles we use to move, swallow and breathe. It can, in some cases, also cause changes in behavior and thinking. The effects of ALS grow more severe over time and eventually become fatal. The symptoms and progression of ALS may vary greatly from person to person, which can make the disease difficult to diagnose, manage and treat.
There is no cure for ALS yet. But the pace of research has significantly increased in recent years, and organizations like the Les Turner ALS Foundation are ready to provide help and support to people living with ALS, caregivers and everyone affected by the disease.
Proceeds from the Lew Blond Run primarily benefit the Les Turner ALS Foundation, providing the most comprehensive care and support to people living with ALS and their families so they can confidently navigate the disease, and advance scientific research for the prevention, treatment and cure of ALS.
Visit our photo galleries
Kids need to train?
Try Healthy Kids Running Series!
This national program was created to engage communities and families by providing an inclusive youth running experience, inspiring kids to believe in themselves and lead an active healthy lifestyle.
Local races are at 3 p.m. Sundays, April 21 & 28, May 5, 12, and 19 in our own District 30 neighborhood at Willow Park, 2600 Greenwood Road, Glenview! To learn about registration fees and early bird discounts, click here or below and visit their website.