A record field of runners toed the line on the Fourth of July for the 18th Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th.
An all-time high of 1,286 runners registered for either the 4-mile or the Kids 1K, with a record 1,059 finishing the 4-mile. The Kids 1K had 112 participants.
“It was a great community event, competitive race and a fun way to start the Fourth of July,” race director Bob Richards of the Elmhurst Running Club said.
Leading the way on a warm morning were overall repeat winner Zach Hird of Naperville in 19 minutes, 53 seconds, and Kristiana King of Chicago, the female champion, in 22:18.
Hird trailed Jonnathan Fernandez of Chicago by nine seconds at the two-mile checkpoint but reeled him in and won by six seconds over Mauricio Galvan of Chicago. Jordan Watson of Darien took third in 20:10 as Fernandez faded to fourth in 20:17.
Jeff Luka was fifth and the first Elmhurst runner, finishing fifth in 20:19.
In the women’s race, King won easily over runner-up Britney Romero of Chicago (22:34). Kristin Dailey was the first Elmhurst finisher and third overall in 22:54.
“This was my first time running the 4 on the 4th and the race definitely lives up to the hype,” King said. “It was a fun race with good competition and much-needed crowd support. I’m looking forward to running it again, hopefully when the temperatures aren’t record-breaking!”
In the Kids 1K (ages 5-12), the boys winner was Arlik Swan of Chicago in 3:10. Nathan Melichor was third overall and first from Elmhurst in 3:45.
Kids girls champ was Isabella Gutierrez of Chicago in 3:51. Runner-up and first from Elmhurst was Natalie Lintner in 4:22.
Bank of America Chicago Marathon executive director Carey Pinkowski spoke to the runners before the start. Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin helped weary runners at the finish line.
“We could not put this event on without the great cooperation we have with the city, the park district and Elmhurst University,” Richards said. ‘We think it’s a great showcase for all that Elmhurst has to offer.”
The not-for-profit Elmhurst Running Club will donate a portion of proceeds to local charities.
For complete race results, go to the home page at 4on4th.com.
