Prior to The Lake Run Club, the Founding Members found a great place to run and a great place to recover afterward. Of course, that great place to recover was Green Gables Bar, Grille and Country Store. And in 1987, as the Lake Run Club was formed, those Founding Members utilized Green Gables as the Club’s official meeting place. The first official member T-shirt even featured a caricature image of Green Gables (design is being brought back for this event only). It’s truly safe to say that without Green Gables, there would be no Lake Run Club.

As most of you know, just two days after the 2022 Lake Run a fire struck Green Gables. A strong south wind defeated the efforts of the Hudson, Lexington, Normal, and El Paso Fire Departments to save the landmark business. Just 7 years short of 100 years old, the owners had good insurance, but not enough to replace the iconic landmark. In order to assist the return of Green Gables, the LRC will sponsor the Sweaty 5K or casual Fun Run/Walk in conjunction with the Fun in the Sun Green Gables Event on Saturday, August 20th. Here are the details:

Sweaty 5K race:

Race starts at 2:30pmRegistration and packet pick-up available starting at 2pm on race dayDog Days 5K course will be used1 time clock will be set up; no official time will be given to each participantTop 3 male and female finishers will receive a very warm-snuggly sweatshirt for their sweaty efforts. $20 donation at sign-up; includes race bib and beer garden bracelet +$15 for optional commemorative shirtSign up online by August 19th for the Sweaty 5K or Fun Run/Walk

Fun Run/Walk:

Start anytime you want between 2 & 4:30Run with friends, have a good time, get a great shirt, support a good cause$20 donation at sign-up; includes beer garden bracelet+$15 for optional Commemorative shirtSign up early at Sweaty 5K or Fun Run/Walk until August 19th

Commemorative shirts: optional special reprint of the original Lake Run Club member shirt, on Green Gables green technical fabric, in your choice of either a technical Unisex Crewneck Tee or a technical Women’s Cut V-neck tee. Sign up by August 9th to be sure you get the size you want. Extras will be ordered but size and style will not be guaranteed after that date. Shirts are $15.

All runners will have entry into the beer garden with free beer/beverages from 2-4:30pm; bring a lawn chair or blanket and snacks for socializing and Green Gables reminiscing after you run. Race/Run/Walk participants will also receive a wrist band for entry into the Fun in the Sun event starting later that day.

Fun in the Sun – by Green Gables owners:

$20 cover charge for entry; waived for runners with wristband; (kids 13 and under allowed and are free entry)Beer/burger garden opens at 5pm: Green Gables Burgers and beverages will be available for purchase. 7:00 to 11:00 live music from Style In Stereo. Facebook event: Fun in the Sun Event Details