Bonfield Express 5K Registration Now Open

Submitted by the Bonfield Express Foundation.

In less than four weeks, the train horn will sound on Thanksgiving morning to start the 12th Annual Bonfield Express 5K Run/Walk.

The race, held in downtown Downers Grove, honors the spirit of community legend Jim Bonfield.

Registration is now open for the popular Downers Grove Thanksgiving Day tradition. Registration includes a bib number, timing chip and a tech shirt for the first 6,000 registrants who pick up their race materials.

Rates are lower for those who register early. On-line pre-registration, available until 10 pm, Nov. 20, is $30 per person and $100 for a family of four. On-site registration at the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center, available Nov. 21-22, is $35 per person and $115 for a family of four. Registration on Nov. 25 and 26 is $40 per person only.

Packet pick-up will be held Nov. 21 and 22 from 11 am - 3 pm at the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center and on Nov. 25 from 1-5 pm at the Downers Grove Community Bank. Race day registration will be held at the Tivoli Theatre from 7- 8 am. New This Year

The Bonfield Express will re-introduce long-sleeve shirts for the 2015 race. The stylish tech shirt will be available to the first 6,000 registrants who pick up their race materials.

Also new this year, in addition to granting academic scholarships to area high school students, the Bonfield Express Foundation supported Downers Grove School District 58 students who demonstrated Jim Bonfield’s personal perseverance, strong moral character, joy of learning and commitment to community. The Foundation donated $1,000 to each of the 13 schools in District 58 to help them recognize students that have participated in the Summer Learning Program and Good Citizenship Program.

About the Race

The 2015 Bonfield Express 5K will kick off at 8:30 am in downtown Downers Grove at Main and Grove Streets. The USA Track and Field certified course loops around the downtown business district before winding its way through the scenic neighborhood streets of this western suburb.

The race is designed for both runners and walkers with 5K runners beginning first followed immediately by the 5K walkers. Walkers, who had traditionally lined up on Main Street, will now line up on Grove Street instead where they can better enjoy pre-race Complimentary food and beverages as well as the popular post-race “massage in the garage” will be available to all race participants at the post-race party in the Downers Grove Parking Garage. Top male and female finishers will receive gift certificates good for use at participating Downers Grove businesses.

More than 5,500 people registered in last year’s Bonfield Express, making it one of the largest annual events in the Downers Grove community.

Dedicated to the memory of Jim Bonfield, a former dean, coach, teacher and father who taught at Downers Grove South High School for 32 years, the race generates funds for scholarship assistance to select students who reflect his personal example of character, commitment and love of community. Since 2004, the Bonfield Express Foundation has distributed more than $300,000 in scholarships to nearly 150 west suburban seniors attending high school at Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, Hinsdale Central, Hinsdale South, Lisle, and Westmont High Schools.