Two runners enjoy pre-race photo opportunities.
Runners of all ages took to the streets of Hickory Hills for the 9th Annual Howl Through the Hills 5K Run/Walk last weekend. The event, which began at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, started at Hickory Hills City Hall and unfolded on a beautiful, brisk fall day.
Hickory Hills partnered with North Palos School District 117 to co-host the race, with all proceeds benefiting the Hickory-Palos Sertoma Club, which supports children and adults in need of speech and hearing assistance.
“It has become such a great community event. Our North Palos School District has been wonderful getting kids involved in running programs and participating in this event,” Hickory Hills Mayor Mike Howley said. “It is my favorite event of the year that the city sponsors, and we are so happy to sponsor it with the North Palos School District.”
In recent years, a growing number of participants have been between the ages of 8 and 14. Since the collaboration between the city and the local Pre-K-8th grade school district began, schools have expanded their running programs to promote healthy lifestyles.
Oak Ridge physical education teacher Kenn Gesiakowski, a participant and key motivator for young runners, leads an after-school run club.
Tommy Nelson (1632) going toe-for-toe with Muthana Nasr (1630) as they see the finish line in sight.
“We try to get the kids into a healthy lifestyle where they can possibly join a cross-country team in middle school, high school, and just get them involved in school activities,” Gesiakowski said.
The event draws runners of all ages and experience levels. While most participants wore running shoes, some showed up in less conventional footwear—one participant ran in flip-flops, and a Hickory Hills police officer completed the race in work boots.
“For the kids just to finish the 5K, it is an accomplishment. To see the looks on their faces when they cross the finish line, it is a great feeling. Most of them have never run a 5K before,” Gesiakowski said.
After the race, participants gathered for water, snacks, and the medal ceremony.
Hickory Hills native Adam Krzysztofek claimed first place with a time of 18:57.8. Despite never having competed in a road race before, the 18-year-old faced the course’s challenging hills head-on.
“I was almost done and then had to go up another hill,” Krzysztofek joked. “It was tiring and those hills were crazy, but it was a lot of fun.”
8-year-old Andres Gonzalez running alongside two family members.