Massive Turnout at Ventures Endurance Bucktown 5K Supports Friends of Burr and Burr Elementary School

CHICAGO (WLS) — More than 4,000 runners of all agility levels took over the streets of Bucktown on Sunday morning for the 26th annual Ventures Endurance Bucktown 5K.

Runners and walkers stepped off at 8:30 a.m. on the flat, family-friend course.

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People from across the city and suburbs turned out for the run. The tree-lined 5K showcased some of the neighborhood’s most historic buildings and homes before wrapping up at Burr Elementary School for a post-race party.

ABC7 caught up with the race director, Dan Lakin, who says the run is a neighborhood staple.

“You hit some of the hot spots here in Bucktown, Lottie’s and Club Lucky, places people know, but some of the architecture from back when it was founded by Europeans and stuff. Bucktown is such a cool place,” Lakin said.

Some neighborhood runners and athletes who came into the city from the suburbs said it is the family-feel of the race that makes this a special and memorable event.

“The neighbors are out, the kids are on the corner yelling for you, ringing the bells, so it’s just a lot of fun,” said Crystal Lake runner Cort Carlson.

“I love the neighborhood feel of it. The whole time I’m running, I’m seeing friends from school, friends from the neighborhood and it just turns out a lot of people from Bucktown,” said Bucktown runner Kelly Hansen.

Money from the Bucktown 5K was also raised this year for Friends of Burr, a nonprofit that works to improve the nearby Burr Elementary School though different programs and infrastructure enhancements.