Stars & Stripes 5K run returns

Will honor fallen CPD Officer Ella French

By Tim Hadac

Hundreds of men, women and children will run, jog, walk or roll through the streets of western Garfield Ridge this summer, in part to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by a Chicago Police officer.

The Stars and Stripes 5K Run will be held Saturday, July 1 at Wentworth Park, 57^th and Narragansett. Participants must be capable of maintaining a 16-minute per mile pace for the event.

“Officer Ella French is a woman whose sacrifice must be remembered and honored,” said Juan Ortega, a Chicago policeman and founder of the 5K. “She was liked, respected and admired by her comrades, and it is tragic that her career in law enforcement was cut short so early.”

The 29-year-old French was shot and killed on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021 as she and her partner conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle containing three subjects near 63rd and South Bell.

During the traffic stop, one of the subjects opened fire, striking French and her partner. Despite their wounds, the officers were able to return fire and wounded one of the subjects. Both officers were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where French was pronounced dead.

To honor French, 5K organizers will be giving proceeds from the event to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, The 100 Club (providing for the families of first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty) and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Ortega said French’s mother and brothers have been invited to attend the 5K as honored guests.

The 5K was founded in 2017 and grew steadily in each of its first three years, reaching about 800 participants in 2019. The pandemic caused the cancelation of the event in 2020. Last year, about 425 people ranging in age from babies in strollers to a 72-year-old man, participated. Ortega anticipates a similar number this year and said that while most of the runners and walkers are from the Southwest Side, he expects entrants from out of state.

Sponsors this year include the Midway Chamber of Commerce, Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, Garfield Ridge Civic League, Chicago Park District, 13^th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn, State Rep. Angelica “Angie” Guerrero-Cuellar (D-22^nd) and 23^rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares.

Race day begins at 7:30 a.m. when the start line opens. There will be a course talk at the start line at 7:40 a.m. with an honor guard opening ceremony at 7:45 a.m. The race begins at 8 a.m. and an awards ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. back at Wentworth Park.

The cost of the event is $25 for adults and $20 for kids age 17 and younger. Prices will increase on May 16, so participants are encouraged to register soon at runsignup.com/GR5K.

The race course starts near 57^th and Narragansett, then south to 59^th Street, west to Nordica, north to 56^th Street, east to Merrimac, south to 58^th Street, west to Narragansett and then north to about 57^th Street.

Street closures will take place from 7 to 9:30 a.m. on 59^th Street from Merrimac to Nordica, 56^th Street from Merrimac to Nordica and Narragansett from 59^th Street to Archer.

For those not participating directly as runners/joggers/walkers, Ortega said there are three other ways to help: serve as a race volunteer, make a monetary contribution to the race or simply line the course and cheer on participants.

“Garfield Ridge is one of the best and most beautiful neighborhoods you’ll find anywhere,” Ortega added. “There are a lot of old-fashioned values here. Neighbors look out for each other; and on race day, a lot of people come out of their homes to cheer on the runners and even offer refreshments. The Stars and Stripes 5K showcases the best of Garfield Ridge.”

Parking will be available at the Kennedy High School parking lot near 56^th Street and Narragansett. The lot closes at 7:25 and re-opens at 9:30 a.m. Parking is also available at the old TCF bank at 55^th Street and Narragansett.

There are more than a dozen award categories for both adults and kids 12 and younger. The course is USATF certified.