Wounded Warriors 5K Returns to Plainfield

In its first year, it drew nearly 500 participants and raised more than $9,000 to help injured veterans. Now, organizers are hoping the second annual Wounded Warriors 5K will have an even bigger turnout.

Like the first Wounded Warriors 5K, this year’s event will take place in and around Plainfield’s Settlers’ Park on May 25, the Saturday before Memorial Day.

“We had 477 last year,” said Judi Stapleton, a volunteer with event organizer Operation Welcome You Home. “We’re hoping to double that.”

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Operation Welcome You Home works to honor Illinois servicemen and women by hosting warm welcomes for returning vets. Now, the organization is branching out by working to raise money to help wounded veterans.

Last year, race proceeds benefittted the Wounded Warrior Project, a nationwide non-profit that works to provide resources and assistance to injured veterans. This time around, Stapleton said all proceeds will stay here in Illinois to help local heroes.

This year's race will begin at 8 a.m. on Village Center Drive near Settlers’ Park and travel west to Van Dyke Road. Participants will head south on Van Dyke to Ottawa Street, then travel west to Ira Jones Middle School before making a loop and heading back east on Ottawa Street to Van Dyke Road. From there, runners and walkers will go south on Van Dyke past Dan Patch Drive and return north on Van Dyke before entering a bike path to reach the finish line at Settlers’ Park.

Click here to view a race route map.

The top three male and female runners in each age category will win awards, and team awards will be given to the top team in each category.

This year’s race registration fee is $30 per person in advance or $35 the day of the event. Participants can register online by clicking here until now through 1 p.m. Friday, May 24.

Registered racers can pick up their bib, T-shirt and packet from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. the morning of the race.

Stapleton said that in addition to the 5K, this year’s event will include a children’s coloring contest during the race and other kid-friendly activities.

Read: Nearly 500 Runners at First Wounded Warriors 5K

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