Cheesy Pretzel 5K Returns to The Promenade Bolingbrook in October

STAR CINEMA GRILL, THE BOLINGBROOK PARK DISTRICT, PT SOLUTIONS PHYSICAL THERAPY, THE PROMENADE BOLINGBROOK AND THE BOLINGBROOK AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PARTNER WITH HEART HAVEN OUTREACH TO PRESENT THE CHEESY PRETZEL 5K ON OCTOBER 5TH

Bolingbrook, IL -- In an effort to shine a spotlight on the importance of good health and exercise, provide a venue to support the fund raising needs of local charitable causes, and work toward developing a better utilization of community resources and increased partnerships, STAR Cinema Grill, the Bolingbrook Park District, the Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce, PT Solutions Physical Therapy, and The Promenade Bolingbrook have partnered with Heart Haven OutReach (H2O) to present a USATF certified 5K Run/Walk (3.1 mile). The Cheesy Pretzel 5K will take place at the Promenade on Sunday, October 5, 2025, with an 8 a.m. run start just outside STAR Cinema Grill. The course passes through the mall, down Janes Avenue, and through the neighborhoods before returning to the mall. Neighborhood residents are being encouraged to come out and cheer the runners on as they wind through the neighborhoods. Every runner/walker will receive pretzel bites and cheese from STAR Cinema Grill after crossing the finish line. For those that would like to do something less than a 5k, there will also be an untimed “1 Mile Walk” around the mall.

According to Michael Carpanzano, Village of Bolingbrook Trustee and Director of Hospital Relations for PT Solutions, “This type of community collaboration is what sets this race apart. To integrate with our premier shopping destination, The Promenade Bolingbrook, and leading healthcare and recreation providers is a win-win for our community.” Carpanzano, who is a Board Member for H2O, has been encouraging residents, local businesses and their employees, and non-profit organizations to get involved in this event. “Not only for the obvious reasons of health and wellness, but also as a way to be involved and stay visible in our community.”

This long-standing event started back in 2012 and has been encouraging a wider participation from all sectors of the community and an opportunity for smaller organizations with charitable causes to participate and raise funds for their own organization. Through the “Charity of Choice” program offered again this year, a group can sign up to run as a fundraiser for their organization. Ryan Lawrence, executive director of Heart Haven OutReach, understands the difficulty smaller organizations might have coming up with the resources needed to put on a 5k and said “many nonprofits face common challenges when it comes to raising funds. It takes a lot of resources for an organization to put on a successful event, which sometimes can lead to very little funds going back to the organization towards its mission. Sharing The Cheesy Pretzel 5k as a run/walk community venue with other charities will hopefully help groups raise more money for their causes without having to spend it on the overhead costs of hosting their own event. This race originally began as a fundraiser for Heart Haven OutReach and we will continue to solicit funds through this event to support our organization, but we want to partner and share this event with other organizations in the community.” Ryan encourages club and nonprofit organization leaders to check out the race website (CheesyPretzel5k.org) or call the Heart Haven Outreach office at 630-226-8403 to learn more about how they can raise funds for their organization and get registered as a charity of choice.

To avoid lines and insure participation, pre-registration is strongly encouraged. The early bird discount of $30 ends on August 31st. The regular rate is $35 per participant, available on-line through October 2nd. Race day registration will open at 7:00 a.m. at The Promenade Bolingbrook, but the price for race day registration will go up to $40. The first 500 participants to register will receive a dry-fit long sleeve shirt & custom finisher medals! All participants will enjoy pre and post-race refreshments, and of course Pretzels with Cheese from STAR Cinema Grill! Music, continuous raffles, and an awards ceremony recognizing the top finishers with awards and prizes, scheduled to take place about 9 a.m., are planned for the event.

Heart Haven OutReach, fondly referred to as H2O, is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides support and mentoring to local middle and high school age teens in Bolingbrook, Romeoville & Plainfield. Since opening its doors, H2O has reached thousands of youth with its positive message of hope amidst life’s challenges. For more information about this event or H2O programs, call 630-226-8403, or visit their website at hearthavenoutreach.org.

Go to CheesyPretzel5k.org or call the Heart Haven OutReach offices at 630-226-8403 to register or learn more about this event. Sponsorships and volunteer opportunities are still available.

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