Submitted by Lester PTA/Harmony Watling
The community rallied around the Lester students and their family and friends on Sunday, Sept. 25 for the seventh annual “Running of the Leopards” 1-Mile/5K Fun Run. Over 500 participants took to the course on a beautiful fall morning and in addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle, they generated over $24,000 for the Lester PTA programs and activities.
Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully joined in the 5K for some fitness fun and a morning run through the lovely Lester School neighborhood. The Lester Fit Girls and Boys Clubs also completed the 5K this year with a group of over 60 strong and swift 4th and 5thgrade students. These students began practicing and honing their fitness skills and endurance in the weeks leading up to the Fun Run and their hard work and commitment certainly paid off.
“Our Lester community came together to support a truly exceptional event - one that not only creates memories, but rewards hard work and commitment to fitness,” said Lester School’s Principal Carin Novak. “There was a lot of joy out there on the course and the smiles on the students’ faces as they crossed the finish line were priceless. They made their families, teachers, and community very proud.”
Following the race, the participants and spectators alike enjoyed an awards ceremony, refreshments, door prizes, sponsor samples, and great tunes courtesy of DJ Yianni. Talented photographers who graciously donated their services included Carrie From Photography, Irene Nelson Photography, and Life Reflections by Tangie.
There were many sponsors who generously helped to make this event a success including: ARC Physical Therapy, Beard Auto Repair, Chad Esslinger Design, Fresh Thyme, J & C Automotive, Jim Harkness of Momkus McCluskey Roberts LLC, Lever Interactive, Matthies Builders, Neat Kitchen & Bar, North American Emergency Medical Center, OKO Builders, Orange Theory, and Platinum Restoration.
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.