Race starts at 8 a.m. tomorrow!

Thank you for being a part of the 25th Annual Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk this Saturday, May 16! We could not have reached our silver anniversary without the community spirit of the families in Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 and our neighbors.

We are so grateful for your annual support of the Les Turner ALS Foundation, which honors former Maple School teacher Lew Blond.

This year, we bring back chip timing that make all race results more accurate, as well as finisher medals for all participants. We also hope our littlest runners will join the Little Lew 50-yard dash for children 0-6 years, and all runners and their supporters will enjoy our growing vendor fair, online auction happening right now, and more family fun!

Please explore this participation guide, which details all you must know for a safe and enjoyable experience. It's also not too late to register or sign up to volunteer (just click below below).

We can't wait to see you at Maple on May 16!

Sam Kurtz

Lew Blond Run Foundation Director & Maple School Principal

Packet pick-up will be hosted by Platinum Sponsor Road Runner Sports, in Edens Plaza, 3232 Lake Ave., Wilmette on Friday, May 15 from 1-6 p.m.

• 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.
• Race registration will also be available at packet pickup.
• T-shirts may not be exchanged
• You may only pick up packets for other runners if you have a copy of each runner’s confirmation email or receipt (email is acceptable).

PLEASE NOTE: Packets can only be picked up at Road Runner, or the morning of the race at Maple School.

Parking will be available in the following locations:

• The north parking lot of Glenbrook North High School. The south parking lot (across from Maple) is reserved for the high school's athletic activities; if you park in the south lot, police will prohibit you from exiting until after the 1-mile race is finished for the safety of remaining of runners.
• Additional parking is available at Highland Baking Company on the east side of Shermer Road.

Location: The race begins and finishes at Maple School, 2370 Shermer Road, Northbrook

Start Times: 8:00 a.m. (5K) / 9:00 a.m. (1 Mile) / 9:30 a.m. (Little Lew)

General: The USATF-certified 5K course winds through various subdivisions of the Northbrook community finishing on the east side of Maple School. A police officer will be present to block traffic and allow for the safe crossing of Techny Road.

Timing: The Lew Blond Run now uses chip timing in order to provide a more accurate running experience. Regardless of where a racer starts, their time will begin when they cross the starting line and end when they cross the finish line. (This change creates fairness for racers who start at the back of the group and not exactly at the start line.)

Markers: Each mile will be marked with signage and timers to indicate elapsed time.

Smile Mile: Look out for the “Smile Mile” at Mile 2 sponsored by Dentistry for Kids. We’ll be snapping pictures and posting them to our social media and in future newsletters like this.

Terrain: Mostly flat course. Running on concrete and cement streets.

Start Corral: The starting corral faces west on Sherman Drive.

Post-Race: Again this year, all races will receive a finisher medal. Food, recovery beverages, and refreshments will be available post-race for participants. A vendor fair, music and photo opportunities will also be provided.

Awards Ceremony: The top 3 overall male and female winners for the 1 mile and 5K races (based on start time) will receive a gift certificate, courtesy of Road Runner Sports, as well as a medal from the Lew Blond Run immediately following the races.

Procedures have been designed to promote a safe and enjoyable event for all participants, volunteers, and spectators.

Participant Guidelines/Expectations:

• Do not participate if you are feeling sick or ill.

• Participants may be required to exit the event should their actions not meet expectations and/or they are creating risk for themselves or others.

Hygiene:

• Indoor restrooms with hand-washing capabilities are available within Maple School.

Hydration:

• Participants are encouraged to bring and run/walk with their own pre-filled hydration bottle.

• Hydration will be provided on-course for the 5K race.

• Bottled water will be provided at the finish post-race.

Spectators/Non-Participants:

• Non-registered persons are welcome to attend and are encouraged to celebrate our runners! We ask that spectators please pay attention to not block the course.

No pets, please:

We love all pets and especially dogs, but we kindly remind families to not bring them onto race grounds. This is for the safety and comfort of all our participants. We thank you for your partnership.

• Visit the water table near the finish line and grab a notecard like the one below
• Visit each vendor booth and get it marked
• Submit back at the water table to win a prize!

It's a fun and simple way to check out the terrific local businesses in our area!

Click here to start bidding for over 40 terrific prizes that include wine packages, hotel stay, children's activities, sports tickets, rides to school in a police car, and much more! Bids will be accepted through race day, May 16. Like the race, proceeds will also benefit the Les Turner ALS Foundation, student scholarships and District 30 special projects. Good luck!