Lester Leopards Prepare Their Paws for a Fun Run

Submitted by Downers Grove Grade School District 58.

Students, parents and teachers are ready to run for fun and fitness at the Sixth Annual “Running of the Leopards” Lester School 5K Family Fun Run and Walk on Sunday, Sept. 27.

The community event, sponsored by the Lester PTA, focuses on celebrating the benefits of healthy activities with students and their families and raises money toward necessary Lester PTA programs. Lester’s own physical education instructor, Patrick Donnelly, will host the event.

“The Running of the Leopards is an important and dynamic event that our school community looks forward to every year,” Donnelly said. “Creating family events that are focused on fitness is crucial to having healthy, happy students.”

Lester Principal Carin Novak agreed with Donnelly, sharing: “The community always comes out to support this fantastic event and it’s become an amazing local tradition that keeps growing. We are happy to have the Sixth Annual Running of the Leopards Race and can’t wait to watch everyone run and walk through our beautiful community!”

The event will begin at 9 a.m. with a 1-mile Kids Run around the Lester School neighborhood, followed by a 5K Family Run/Walk at 9:30 a.m. Just like last year, all bibs will be chip-timed. Immediately following the race, there will be an awards ceremony with refreshments, sponsor sampling and demonstrations and door prize giveaways. Post-party refreshments are provided courtesy of sponsors Whole Foods Market and McDonald’s.

During race week, there are several fundraising events going on around town. On Wednesday, Sept. 23 in the evening, Chipotle on Butterfield Road in Downers Grove is donating 50 percent of proceeds to the Lester PTA. On Thursday Sept. 24, Another Round in downtown Downers Grove will host a “Carbo Load” night with a portion of sales going to Lester PTA. Coupon flyers for both events along with other information about the race and registration can be found at www.RunningoftheLeopards.com.

About Lester PTA

The Lester Parent-Teacher Association brings parents and teachers together to work toward improving the lives and education of Lester students. Part of the National PTA, Lester PTA is a Not-For-Profit Organization that runs independently of Lester School and District 58.