Orland Township’s Illumin8K Run/Walk Will Support Suicide Prevention and Other Critical, Local Programs

A Month Before Chicago Marathon, An Expected 500 Participants Will ‘Illuminate’ Orland Park’s Beautiful and Scenic Park Area

Orland Township will soon host its first annual Illumin8K race/walk to raise funds in support of suicide prevention, counseling for surviving family members of suicide victims, and scholarships for exemplary local youth headed to college.

The Illumin8K will kick off at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, from the grounds of Orland Township at 14807 South Ravinia Ave. in Orland Park. The twilight race will wind through Orland Park’s beautiful and scenic park area.

With the Chicago Marathon following a month later, the event is expected to sparkle with numerous marathon runners in training. Altogether, the Illumin8K – the hottest race in the south suburbs – is expected to attract some 500 runners and walkers.

“Orland Township is dedicated to supporting our children and youth while also promoting initiatives that strengthen families, embrace the senior population, and build our local work force,” said Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady. “The Illumin8K is the latest in our continuing lineup of events that rally our community around valuable local causes, and we couldn’t be more excited about this addition.”

The first annual Illumin8K will “illuminate” critical local programs by:

Promoting suicide education and prevention through the Jason Foundation. In conjunction with Riveredge Hospital in Forest Park, Orland Township is hosting suicide prevention training sessions in August and October. The Township also is planning age-appropriate workshops and a support group for parents and family members of suicide victims.

Supporting assistance for grieving people through Catholic Charities’ Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) program. Over 35 years, LOSS has assisted thousands with such services as counseling and support groups.

Empower youth through education by supporting the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation. The Scholarship Foundation has awarded $84,500 in scholarships to local students heading to college. Scholarships are awarded based on grade point average, leadership skills, community service participation, extracurricular activities, recommendations and a response to an essay question.

Competitors may save on the registration fee by registering in advance by mail – for a mail-in registration form, call (708) 403-4222 – or online at Illumin8K.com before noon on Friday, Sept. 6. The fee is $25 for adults and $20 for youth 17 or under.

Competitors also may pre-register from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11 and Thursday, Sept. 12, at Orland Township’s office, 14807 South Ravinia Ave. Or they may register immediately before the race begins between 5 and 6:30 p.m. At those times, the fee is $35 per participant.

Medals will be awarded to the top male and female finishers overall, as well as the top three finishers in each age group. Illumin8K will feature door prizes and goody bags, and free massages will be available for participants.

The race is USA Track & Field-certified. Neyl Marquez, USAT&F Certified Official and Lead Vehicle Procession Manager for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and Shamrock Shuffle, is routing this race.

Following the event, an “Afterglow” party on the grounds of Orland Township will feature food from local restaurants and libations compliments of the Orland Park Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery.  

Orland Township is proud to offer an ambitious package of services for youth, parents, individuals experiencing financial difficulties, and even pets. The Township helps support these services – asking no more from local taxpayers – through fundraising events such as Senior American Idol, Dancing With the Senior Stars, and frequent recycling events.

Contact Caitlin McElroy with Orland Township by phone at (708) 403-4222 or by email at caitlinm@orlandtwp.org, or visit Illumin8K.com, for more information.