Community Partners to Host Cheesy Pretzel 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk

In an effort to shine a spotlight on the importance of good health and exercise, provide a venue to support the fund raising needs of local charitable causes, and work toward developing a better utilization of community resources and increased partnerships, Bar Louie, the Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bolingbrook Park District, PT Solutions Physical Therapy, and The Promenade Bolingbrook have partnered with Heart Haven OutReach (H2O) to present a USATF certified 5K Run/Walk (3.1 mile). The event, The Cheesy Pretzel 5k, is a new name for a race formerly known as The Heart Haven Hustle, which was aptly named after the original organizers.

This event will take place at The Promenade Bolingbrook on Sunday, October 13, 2019, with an 8 a.m. run start just outside Bar Louie. The course passes through the mall, down Janes Avenue, and through the neighborhoods before returning to the mall. Neighborhood residents are being encouraged to come out and cheer the runners on as they wind through the neighborhoods; race guides, cheerleaders, and members of the Bolingbrook Amateur Radio Society (BARS) will be on hand to direct runners through the course. New this year for the event will be some awesome finisher gifts. Every runner/walker will receive a pretzel with cheese from Bar Louie after crossing the finish line as well as a custom designed finisher medal. For those that would like to do something less than a 5k, there will be a “1 Mile Fun Walk” around the mall with various activities to keep you entertained.

According to Michael Carpanzano, Regional Director of Sales for PT Solutions, “This type of community collaboration is what sets this race apart. To integrate with our premier shopping destination, The Promenade Bolingbrook, our leading healthcare and recreation providers, and local non-profit organizations is a win-win for our community.” Carpanzano, who sits on the Board of Directors for H2O, has been encouraging residents, local businesses and their employees, and non-profit organizations to get involved in this event. “Not only for the obvious reasons of health and wellness, but also as a way to be involved and stay visible in our community.”

This is the eighth year for the event which been encouraging a wider participation from all sectors of the community and an opportunity for smaller organizations with charitable causes to participate and raise funds for their own organization. Through the “Charity of Choice” program offered again this year, a group can sign up on-line (www.CheesyPretzel5k.org) to run as a fundraiser, and then start taking pledges to support their non-profit organization, team, or school of choice. Ryan Lawrence, executive director of Heart Haven OutReach, understands the difficulty smaller organizations might have coming up with the resources needed to put on a 5k and said “many nonprofits face common challenges when it comes to raising funds. It takes a lot of resources for an organization to put on a successful event, which sometimes can lead to very little funds going back to the organization towards it’s mission. Sharing The Cheesy Pretzel 5k as a run/walk community venue with other charities will hopefully help groups raise more money for their causes without having to spend it on the overhead costs of hosting their own event. This race originally began as a fundraiser for Heart Haven OutReach and we will continue to solicit funds through this event to support our organization, but we want to partner and share this event with other organizations in the community.” Ryan encourages club and nonprofit organization leaders to check out the race website (www.CheesyPretzel5k.org) or call the Heart Haven Outreach office at 630-226-8403 to learn more about how they can raise funds for their organization.

To avoid lines and insure participation, pre-registration is strongly encouraged. The regular rate is $35 per participant, available on-line through October 10th. Race day registration will open at 6:30 a.m. at The Promenade Bolingbrook, but the price for race day registration will go up to $40. Registration includes a moisture wicking long sleeve shirt, goodie bag, pre and post-race refreshments, a custom finisher medals, and of Bar Louie Pretzel with Cheese. Music, continuous raffles, and an awards ceremony recognizing the top finishers with awards and prizes, scheduled to take place at 9 a.m., are planned for the event. Talent City Artists very own Corey Sanford will be the events DJ.

The Promenade Bolingbrook’s General Manager, Tom Castagnoli, and his staff are already gearing up for this special event. According to Castagnoli, “The Promenade Bolingbrook is thrilled to again host this 5k and especially excited for the new fun theme with cheesy pretzels. I hope we continue to host this event for many years to come. Heart Haven Outreach is a fantastic charitable organization supporting our community’s youth in so many positive ways. The fact that they seek to build partnerships with the community speaks volumes about their community commitment.”

Heart Haven OutReach, fondly referred to as H2O, is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides support and mentoring to local middle and high school age teens in Bolingbrook & Romeoville. Since opening its doors, H2O has reached over 3000 youth with its positive message of hope amidst life’s challenges. For more information about this event or H2O programs, call 630-226-8403, or visit their website at www.hearthavenoutreach.org.

Go to www.CheesyPretzel5k.org or call the Heart Haven OutReach offices at 630-226-8403 to register or learn more about this event. Sponsorships and volunteer opportunities are still available.

BAR LOUIE, THE BOLINGBROOK AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE BOLINGBROOK PARK DISTRICT, PT SOLUTIONS PHYSICAL THERAPY, AND THE PROMENADE BOLINGBROOK PARTNER WITH HEART HAVEN OUTREACH TO PRESENT THE CHEESY PRETZEL 5K ON OCTOBER 13TH!