New Grove Express 5K established to carry on 5K Thanksgiving tradition
Downers Grove Grade School District 58 thanks the Bonfield Express Foundation, a local charity, for donating $1,000 to each of its 13 schools this year. The Bonfield Express Foundation made this donation to help District 58 schools recognize students who demonstrate a love of learning, extra effort and/or good citizenship.
“Thank you, Bonfield Express, for generously donating $1,000 to each of our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell. “These funds are being used exclusively for our students, and we sincerely appreciate your support. Downers Grove is such a special place thanks to community partners like the Bonfield Express!”
Since the Bonfield Express Foundation was founded in 2004, it has given back over $966,000 in scholarships and funding to area schools. The Bonfield Express’s capstone fundraising effort has always been its annual community Bonfield Express 5K. After 17 successful years, the Bonfield Express will retire its Bonfield Express 5K race. They will continue to collect and distribute general donations supporting local schools via its website, www.bonfieldexpress.com.
Fortunately, the Thanksgiving Day Downers Grove race tradition will continue! Three local nonprofits collaborated to establish the new Grove Express 5K race. The Grove Express 5K will continue in the proud tradition of the Bonfield Express, offering a Thanksgiving morning 5K run/walk experience for the Downers Grove community. The Grove Express will take place on Thursday, Nov. 25, and it is hosted by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, the Downers Grove Rotary Club, and the Downers Grove Roadrunners Soccer Club.
"Our organization is pleased that these three organizations have come together to continue the tradition of the Bonfield Express we began 18 years ago," said Annette Bonfield, founder and president of the Bonfield Express Foundation. "We are thrilled to 'pass the torch' to organizations that support education and youth programs in the community we care about so much."
Participants can run or walk the 5K route (3.1 miles) at their own pace with friends, family and a community of participants. Registration is required and is now open. Individuals can register online at www.groveexpress.com. The fee to compete is $35 per participant. Participants will receive a traditional race packet and a commemorative race T-shirt.
In order to be a success, the Grove Express 5K needs volunteers! The race needs 15 volunteers for Saturday, Nov. 13 to prepare participant goody bags and 75 volunteers for the race day, Thursday, Nov. 25, to help with various needs. Please click here to sign up or email GroveExpress.5k.volunteer@gmail.com with questions.
This Thanksgiving Day race event is one of the largest 5K races in DuPage County and has attracted over 6,000 runners as recently as 2019. The event features a fun morning of activities held on the USATF-certified course throughout historic Downtown Downers Grove.
The proceeds from the 2021 Grove Express 5K Run/Walk will benefit three Downers Grove organizations: the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, Rotary Club and Roadrunners Soccer Club. This continuation of Jim Bonfield's mission to invest in the community through education and youth programs is just as important now as it was over a decade ago.
To find out more about the Grove Express 5K, email info@groveexpress.com or visit www.groveexpress.com.