Jed Johnson Memorial 5K - 1 Mile Walk or Run

Story by Nancy Crouse, Race Director
On the 2nd Saturday in July, runners from all over the Midwest
gather in Fairview, Illinois for the Jed Johnson Memorial 5K
– 1 Mile Walk or Run. The race, which was originally called
the Valley Park District Race, was started back in 1986 during
the community’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. The founder
of the race, Jed Johnson, was a Valley Park District Board
member. He encouraged the board to sponsor a race during the
community celebration. Little did anyone know, but the race would
become one of the most successful races in the region.
Jed continued to organize the race for one more year, but by
the 3rd year, he had been diagnosed with colon cancer and was
hospitalized on the very day of the event. The Park Board rallied
together and with Jed coaching from his hospital bed, the event
was once again a success. Later that year at the age of 35, Jed
succumb to the cancer. Not only did the Johnson family lose a
loving member of their family that August day, but also the
community had lost a leader. The Valley Park District did not
hesitate in declaring that the annual race would continue and
with a new title, the Jed Johnson Memorial 5K – 1 Mile Walk
or Run.
The race has evolved over the past 21 years from a meager 50
participants to an all time high of 163 participants in 2006. The
event is well known for its large trophies, colorful t-shirts,
and medallions for those hardworking, but not quite
trophy-winning children. Many runners have returned to the race
year after year, and at the request of our senior runners, a new
age category “60 and up” was added to give them the
recognition they deserve and to encourage them to. keep on
running!
In 2001 the race took a new direction. Area businesses came
together to co-sponsor the race with the Park District. This
allowed for race proceeds to be utilized for the good of the
community. The Jed Johnson Memorial Scholarship was established
which offered educational scholarships to area youth. Since 2001,
12 scholarships have been awarded. Winners of the scholarship
earn their award by assisting in the design of the T-Shirt or by
writing an essay that addresses how their family has impacted
their life. The scholarship winners actually assist in the
organization of the race, and often 1 or 2 of the previous
year’s winners, returns to “run” in the event.
Scholarships have been awarded to Emily Liang, Reece Hartstirn,
Stephanie Jones, Caleb Bennett, Matthew McComb, Katie Barr, Ben
Yerly, Tori Roberts, Brittney Currie, Clay McConkey, Sarah Smith,
and Jordan Freeman.
With each year, the annual race proves to get bigger and
better. The race is popular among all age groups as the course is
relatively flat and is a great place for a beginner to get
started or an even better race for that veteran to post a good
time. Many runners that attended that first race back in 1986 are
usually in attendance, and we are always amazed at the many new
faces that are also present. So if you enjoy walking, running, or
just want to be part of the Jed Johnson Memorial Race, meet us,
along with Jed’s family in Fairview on the 2nd Saturday in
July at 7:30 a.m. For more information you can contact: Nancy
Crouse, Box 296 Fairview, Illinois 61432, 309-778-2353 or email:
crouse4@winco.net

Pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/27504671@N07/sets/72157605528826159/