Englewood 5K aims to end neighborhood violence

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Organizers of a run in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood are hoping to bring an end to violence in the area by bringing families together via exercise.

Hundreds gathered for the Ditch the Weight and Guns 5k Walk in one of the roughest neighborhoods in Chicago.

"We wanted to bring the same kind of experience you get downtown, bring it to the Englewood communit," said walk organizer Andrea NaTay, Forever Fitness Chicago.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, with his running shoes on, could not say enough about how today proved the naysayers wrong.

"A lot of doubters, a lot of people said it's not true," he said. "We're back year two to remind all of Chicago this is the true face of Englewood."

As for other participants, the positive news of this 5K is spreading by word of mouth.

"I know people who live in Englewood, but what you see on TV is not always what you see here," said runner Maria Johnson.

"We wanted to come out and show our support that we believe that Englewood can become a model community with people working together with diverse backgrounds, diverse communities coming together to make Englewood the best it can become," Shirley Calahan said.

The proceeds from this race will benefit William Harper High School, so they can buy a commercial juicer and blender and six months of fruits and vegetables.