Thank you to everyone that participated in the Virtual Run to Read in 2020. This year we are planning to host an in-person event once again, with the ability for people to participate virtually as well if they can’t attend on Sept. 26. More details will be posted soon.
Printable R2R Registration Flyer
(a separate form is required for each participant due to the waiver)
All participants who register by Sept. 3 are guaranteed to receive a short-sleeve T-shirt in the size requested.
7-8:30 a.m.
Race-day registration and packet pick-up in the Dirksen gym.
You must register for the 5K by 8 a.m.
7:30 a.m.
Mascot Races
8 a.m.
100-yard dash for children in 1st grade and under
8:20 a.m.
400-yard dash for children in 6th grade and under
Begins after 100-yard dash is complete.
9 a.m.
5K starts
9:15 a.m.
Walk starts
10 a.m.
5K award ceremony in the gym
Both the 5K (3.1 mile) run and the 1-mile walk start and finish at Dirksen School. Split times will be called out at the 1-, 2- and 3-mile marks in the 5K. ABSOLUTELY NO bicycles, skates, scooters, wheeled vehicles or pets are allowed on the 5K run or the walk. Strollers are allowed.
While police and volunteers will be on the route supporting runners, the roads for the walk and the 5K road are open to traffic. Participants are advised to stay to the left side of the road (facing traffic). The 100-yard and 400-yard dashes are run on park property.
If you are doing the virtual option, you can chart your own course.
Individuals who prefer to participate in the virtual option can walk or run 1-mile, 5K, 10K, kids’ sprint, or any distance you prefer during race weekend—Sept. 24-26. Wear the T-shirt during your virtual race, take a photo and tag us on social media at #54Run2Read.
Packet pickup will be available the morning of the race. People who register by Sept. 20 may also pick up their registration packets from 2:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23 and from 8 to 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24 at the District 54 Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg. If you are picking up on Friday, please avoid school bus traffic to our Early Learning Center by parking in the far east lot in front of the 2-story administration building.
For safety reasons, participants will not be allowed to park in the school’s lot. Please also avoid parking on the streets used during the run. See the course maps above. There is ample parking available in the Town Square parking lot, at the corner of Schaumburg and Roselle roads. Use the paved path that leads from Town Square to Dirksen through the park behind the school.
Photos will be taken of participants and may be used in District 54 printed materials and/or on the website to promote the Run to Read. Participants who do not want their picture used must contact race director Terri McHugh.
As there are expenses we incur regardless of whether people race, refunds will not be granted. If you register, but don’t attend, you may pick up your T-shirt at the District Office, 524 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.
We welcome all individuals with special needs. Please contact the race director in advance if you require special accommodations.
There will be a water station in the gym and another on the course. Restrooms will be available in the school.
Medals will be presented at the conclusion of the 5K race (about 10 a.m.) in the Dirksen gym to the top male and female winner and the top 3 men and women in each of these age groups: 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over. All participants will receive a finisher’s medal.
5K winners may pick up their medal at the District Office (between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday) if they choose not to stay for the ceremony. Race results will be posted below.