By Isabel Hamilton, Journalism Intern
This year marks the 43rd Annual 5K Raccoon Run and One-Mile Fun Run in Lakeside. A time-honored tradition, this event draws Lakesiders young and old alike to walk, jog, run or cheer on family and friends from the sidelines.
Join us Sunday, July 23, and take advantage of the beautiful Lakeside grounds serving as the course, whether you choose to participate or give a warm Lakeside welcome to those who do.
On race day, check-in for both races will be from 7-7:30 a.m. in the Hoover Auditorium lobby. Day-of registration will also be available during this time for a fee of $35.
If you’re only participating in the One-Mile Fun Run, you are encouraged to check in early on Walnut Plaza from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, July 22.
The 5K race will start from Orchestra Hall at 8 a.m., continue around the perimeter of Lakeside and finish on Third Street at Hoover Auditorium.
The One-Mile Fun Run will begin by the Laundromat at the corner of Second Street and Sycamore Avenue and take advantage of the flat terrain of Second and Third Streets, also finishing on Third Street at Hoover Auditorium.
Light refreshments will be provided for all racers at the finish line and awards will be given immediately following the race on the steps of Hoover Auditorium. First place finishers in the 5K Raccoon Run for Men’s and Women’s divisions overall will receive trophies. Awards will also be given to the second and third place finishers in each of the Men’s and Women’s age divisions.
In addition to these awards, the Bob Brucken Honorary Award will be given to the oldest finisher of the 5K Raccoon Run. This award is in recognition of Brucken’s leadership in promoting the annual 5K Raccoon Run, and Lakeside is privileged to honor him with a new tradition this Sesquicentennial season.
Brucken, a longtime Lakesider and devoted runner, has participated in almost every Raccoon Run since its inception in 1980, and believes participating whenever he’s in town for race day is a no-brainer.
“Run, walk, crawl, but do it for the exercise and for the socialization,” he said when asked if he had any advice for Raccoon Run first-timers.
Brucken has surely taken his own advice. In fact, several years saw him and his wife cross the finish line pushing his mother-in-law and neighbor in wheelchairs, complete with a sign proclaiming them the “Peach Wheelies.”
Many Lakesiders have seen Brucken running regularly along the lakefront or the nature trail. Sometimes with family or friends, but often running alone. He says it keeps him healthy while also providing him with time to think.
“I’ve always used the time to order my daily schedule and to think about the important problems that I have,” he said. “I accomplish my best work out running.”
As for this year’s Raccoon Run, he’ll be running – or “walking fast” yet again, and he encourages others to do the same.
“Lakeside is a walking community, so a 5K or one mile are just natural. People do that so much anyway they might as well just do it one more time.”
Photo: Bob Brucken, left, poses with Lynn App, Mark Carle and Jim Casner at the 2017 Raccoon Run.
