Live Bands Help Runners Roll through La Grange Rocks 5K

A workout’s always easier when you’re buoyed by the perfect tunes—so the live music accompanying the La Grange Rocks 5K Run/Walk should make it the smoothest race on the planet.

Bands composed of area teens will dot the length of the course Friday during the LeaderShop’s annual fundraiser, which includes racecourses geared toward every member of the family.

Money raised during the event goes to benefit the La Grange nonprofit’s bevy of programs, which promote leadership among roughly 1,400 kids each year.

“It’s a great community event,” Resource Development Director Alysa Lewandowski said. “I can’t say that enough.”

Families who live along the course host the bands in their driveways, offering up electricity, extension cords and a place to call their stage while they serenade the runners, she said. 

The LeaderShop recruits bands mainly through word of mouth. They get suggestions from local music teachers, as well as scouts at area Battle of the Band competitions. Many of the bands make return appearances in subsequent years.

“It’s a lot of fun, and the kids are really excited about it,” Lewandowski said. “It’s definitely the best part of the race.”

About 750 people are registered for the race so far, which is up about 100 year-to-date from 2012, she said.

The top three men and women finishers in the 5K will get a cash prize, while the top three kids in each age group will get medals.

The party continues at the finish line, where runners will be rewarded with food and music from a DJ. Local merchants donate the refreshments, while LeaderShop participants do a lot of the race day legwork—everything from signing in runners to cleaning up after the event.

Register for the LeaderShop’s La Grange Rocks 5K online in advance or on race day from 5-6:30 p.m. at Lyons Township High School North Campus. Registration is $35 for adults, $20 for kids or $100 for a family of four. All races begin and end at Lyons Township High School.

6pm - Kids Mini Me One Lap Race (7 and under)
6:15pm - Kids One Mile Race (11 and under)
7pm - 5K Run/Walk race (3.1 miles)

For more information, visit the LeaderShop’s website.