Leave your tracks at SXU's Annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk
The cougar community will be on the prowl again through the streets of Evergreen Park during Saint Xavier University's (SXU) 17th Annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 30. The race is a South Side trademark, and it attracts new yearly participants as well as the returning running enthusiasts. It is a tradition grounded in spirit, a benefit to the whole community. The Cougar 5K Run/Walk will begin at 9 a.m. on SXU's Chicago campus, 3700 West 103rd Street. Runners, walkers and joggers will navigate the neighborhood and conclude on SXU's main campus.
The cost of pre-registration is $35 for runners/walkers. For faculty, staff, alumni and students the amount is $30. There is a family rate for up to three people from the same immediate family, each additional member is $25. Anyone who registers the day of the race will have to pay $40, and the family rate option will not be available. Registration can be completed online at the Cougar 5K webpage.
Each participant will get a long sleeve performance moisture wicking t-shirt. Shirts are 100% polyester and feel like cotton. Stop into the Shannon Center after August 15 to try on sizes.
Axion is the sponsor of the prize money that is awarded to the top three runners in men's and women's categories. First place winners receive $150 each; those who come in second are given $100 each; and the third place participants get $50 each. If contestants break a record, they will receive a $100 award from Axion. The current record for women is 18:34, and 15:21 for men.
The Cougar 5K is also one of six courses that are part of the "I Run Evergreen Park" Challenge for 2017. People who participate in at least three will receive a medal, a certificate and a $10 Jimmy Johns gift card.
After the race, there will be activities such as massages, free blood pressure checks, face painting, an inflatable and Champ, the Cougar mascot. There will also be free refreshments from the following sponsors: Country house, Jimmy Johns, Barraco's, Mariano's, Calabria, KIND Bar and Aquafina. Participants can also receive tickets to the Homecoming football game at 1 p.m., and watch SXU take on Taylor University.
Sponsors for the Cougar 5K include the presenting sponsor, Meijer, Gallagher Investment Services, Axion, Jimmy Johns, Accelerated Rehab, Running for Kicks, Go Promotions, Sports and Ortho, Kohl's Cares, Gilhooley's, Matrix, Barraco's, The Beverly Review, Aquafina, Core Fitness, Jackson Capital, McDonald's, Devine Nutrition, Mariano's, China Gel, Home Advisor, Saint Xavier University Alumni and Parent Relations, and Shannon Center Member.
For more information, please call the Cougar 5K hotline at 773-298-3592.