This year the run has moved to Lincoln Park. Sign up for the June 16 race online or onsite the day of. The run begins at 6:25 p.m. -- and the start will be shown live on ABC 7 News at 6 p.m.
ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam details:
June 16, 2011 at 6:25 p.m.
1800 N. Stockton Drive, Chicago
Entry: $35 for adults/ $15 for those 14 and under/ $40 day of registration. Register online at http://5ktrafficjam.com/Register.html. Runners can also raise money for the Leukemia Research Foundation, www.leukemia-research.org/, which is working to "conquer" leukemia by funding research into causes, for cures and enriching the quality of life for those touched by the disease.
(WLS-TV RELEASE)
It's more than a run/walk. It's helping improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals with leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes -- blood cancers that will claim tens of thousands of lives this year. Runners, walkers, and survivors of leukemia and other blood cancers are gearing up for the "17th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam" (Previously, the run/walk was known as the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors' Strut.) The run/walk kick-off will be broadcast live at 6:25 pm during ABC 7's 6:00 pm newscast with commentary by honorary event co-chairs, ABC 7's Janet Davies and Frank Mathie. The event takes place on Thursday, June 16 at the Lincoln Park South Field in Chicago and benefits the Leukemia Research Foundation. Registration opens at 4:30 pm.
This is the first year the run/walk will be held in the Lincoln Park location, at 1800 N. Stockton Drive.
Each year, Davies and Mathie co-chair this event to honor the memory of friend and colleague Jim Gibbons, an investigative reporter for ABC 7, who succumbed to leukemia in 1994.
"Funding research to find a cure is the only permanent solution," said LRF Executive Director Kevin Radelet. "Support from the 'ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam' helps the LRF continue to impact the course of leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancer treatments and advance cures. Something the organization has been devoted to for the past 60 years."
Cash awards will be given to the top three male and top three female runners. Medals will be given to the top three male and female runners in each of several age groups.
About The Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF)
The Leukemia Research Foundation, headquartered in Wilmette, Ill., is dedicated to funding research and providing support to people affected by blood cancers. The Foundation's mission is to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by these diseases. For 65 years, thousands of volunteers and 24 chapters have helped the Foundation raise more than $50 million to help fund research specifically targeting aspiring, eager, and innovative scientists and physicians around the world, provide patient financial assistance, and offer educational and emotional support for patients and their families.
Leukemia Research Foundation information is available at www.leukemia-research.org/, or by calling the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons hotline at 847-424-0780.
