(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — In a few weeks, runners will lace up their shoes and be Highland Park Strong, in remembrance of the deadly 2022 Fourth of July shooting.
The Highland Park Strong Race — formerly known as the North Shore Classic — will take place on Sunday, June 4. Terri Olian, with the Highland Park Community Foundation, said the race is a half-marathon, a 5K, and a one-mile run/walk event.
It’s been rebranded, perhaps with some renewed interest and excitement, because it’s also going to be supporting the Highland Park community,” she said.
Olian said the entire community, as well as the city’s surrounding communities, have been invited to participate in the race, which will double as a fundraiser.
“With the funds that are raised through the race and other donations that we’ve received, we will be able to provide grants to nonprofits that are assisting community members and others who have been impacted by the shooting,” she said. “Mental health is the largest need right now.”
She noted, though, that some in the Highland Park community might still be hesitant to go to a large, public gathering.
“Sadly, it’s not just because of what happened in Highland Park,” said Olian. “This is a nationwide issue. At the same time, we are a very resilient community, and I think that there’s also a desire among people to come out and show their resilience, [and] show how we can move forward together.”
This year, Olian said they’re putting more of an emphasis on an opportunity after the race for a community celebration, too.
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