Salute Inc.

Runners will have the opportunity this Flag Day weekend to join the Illinois Tollway and SALUTE, Inc., in efforts to support the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces by participating in the Veterans Memorial Tollway “8K in ‘08” on June 15, 2008.  The ChampionChip®-timed race course takes runners across four lanes of new roadway free of traffic, potholes, and other obstacles and traverses the Des Plaines River Valley Bridge on Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355).  Since June 15 is also Father’s Day, dads are encouraged to bring their kids to participate in the I-355 Kids Super Sprint for children ages 10 and younger.

This unique run on the Tollway is registered by the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA), rewarding CARA members for their participation and providing a discount off race registration.  The Veterans Memorial Tollway “8K in ‘08” is also certified by USA Track & Field, the national governing body for track and field, long-distance running, and race walking in the United States. 

“The Veterans Memorial Tollway ‘8K in ‘08’ gives runners a chance to show their appreciation to military veterans for their sacrifices and dedication in service to our nation,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Brian McPartlin.  “The Illinois Tollway is pleased to host one of the Chicago area’s few 8K races – a great distance for beginner and experienced runners, as well as wheelchair racers.” 

Events begin at 8 a.m., with the start line located just south of the 127th Street Interchange in Lemont. Details and registration are available online at SALUTE, Inc.’s Web site at www.saluteinc.org.  Advance registration is $25 for the 8K and $15 for the I-355 Kids Super Sprint.  Day of race registration will be available for $5 more for both events.  The fee includes a T-shirt on a first come-first served basis.  SALUTE, Inc., is expecting an enthusiastic turnout for this event, so please register early.

Water stops, clocks, and/or split timers are located at each mile.  Beverages and snacks will be available at the finish line.  An awards ceremony will immediately follow the run.  Awards will be presented to the overall male and female winners, as well as the first, second, and third place male and female finishers in each age group.  Race results will be posted online at www.racetime.info and www.cararuns.org. 
 
“The donations raised at last year’s Tollway event were an enormous boost to the area veteran community; this event provides needed resources to assist veterans and current military families throughout Northern Illinois,” said Will Beiersdorf of SALUTE.  “We hope to see the roadway filled again with runners, walkers, and wheelchairs on June 15, celebrating the dedication, heroism and greatness of our veterans.”

Proceeds from the Veterans Memorial Tollway 8K in ’08 event will help provide money for the non-profit organization that provides financial support for our military men and women through a variety of programs, including:

• The Forgotten Veterans Program providing financial support to Illinois Veterans' hospitals and homes for a variety of purposes ranging from new medical/therapy equipment to personal care items for veterans.
• The Nightingale Program provides assistance to families of injured military personnel hospitalized at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
• The Wounded Warrior Laptop Program offering injured Veterans an increased level of independence, opening economic or educational opportunities, and greater social inclusion for their future through the use of a new laptop/notebook computer. 
• The Direct Assistance Program offering financial support to Veterans and their families who are experiencing an increase in expenses brought on by deployment.

About Salute, Inc.

SALUTE, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Founded in 2004, Salute, Inc.’s goal is to increase awareness of issues and challenges facing both active and veteran U.S. military personnel and their families. SALUTE, Inc. provides direct assistance and support to eligible service personnel injured during their service and families who have lost a loved-one in a current conflict. Additionally, SALUTE, Inc. provides direct support to Illinois veteran’s homes and hospitals for those who served in past conflicts.

About the Illinois Tollway

The Illinois Tollway maintains and operates 286 miles of interstate Tollway’s in 12 counties in Northern Illinois, including the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) and the Tri-State Tollway (I-94, I-294, I-80/I-294).  Tollway customers can save time and money with I-PASS electronic toll collection - Get I-PASS & Get Going!

Contacts:
SALUTE, Inc.: MaryBeth Beiersdorf
847-749-2768
Illinois Tollway: Joelle McGinnis
630-241-6800, ext. 2380