Half Marathon Co-Director: ‘The Race Will Go On’

Jeff Prestinario read that Boston Marathon organizers have vowed to continue the race.

“We’re feeling the same way,” said the Palos Heights alderman and First Midwest Half Marathon co-organizer. “We need to make a statement here in Palos Heights in our own way that we are a part of the big picture.”

Spirits are high leading up to the 6^th annual First Midwest Half Marathon on Sunday, which drew about 2,000 runners and 300 volunteers last year, said Prestinario. The event has raised about $125,000 over the last five years for the American Cancer Society, South West Special Recreation Association, Lake Katherine and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.

“Everyone I’ve been in contact with feels the same,” he said. “We are not going to allow terrorism to take away our freedom.  The race will go on and we’re very proud to do it.”

Read: Over 200 People Run in Solidarity for Boston

Since the Boston Marathon attack, local authorities have been shoring up security for the upcoming event. In past years, Illinois State Police and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office joined with Palos Heights and Palos Park police departments for event security. This year the Chicago Federal Bureau of Investigation office will also be involved, said Palos Heights Police Deputy Chief Dave Delaney. Special agents from the Chicago FBI office have led trainings with local authorities recently as well, Delaney said.

“We’ve always had great cooperation from runners and spectators, and obviously we’ll have more people out there than past years for security,” Delaney said. “We ask for cooperation if certain aspects take longer than before, and movement is a little slower in some areas. We want people to understand we’re dong it for their safety.”

The race itself will have a change from years past to benefit runners. Pace keepers will run at different times this year for different speeds, Prestinario said. The Walk, Run or Roll will be held again for special needs participants, and will begin about 15 minutes after the half marathon is underway.

“We want as many people to come sign up for the race or volunteer, and come to watch,” Prestinario said. “We want people to enjoy it. It’s our right to do so.”

Runners interested in signing up for the race have until Thursday, May 2 to register online. Volunteers can also register on the event website.

See photos from last year’s First Midwest Half Marathon.

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