Just Book It 5K Participants - In Their Own Words

The Just Book It 5K race on Aug. 6 drew 529 people of all ages to Grayslake. The inaugural event was sponsored by the Grayslake Library Foundation and the Grayslake Running Club (GRC).

For a full wrap up of the event with photos and videos, click here.

After the event, participants began sharing their feedback with Lupe Gallardo, founder and president, Grayslake Running Club, on the club website at www.grayslakerunning.com:

“What an amazing job by all volunteers. No race problems. Everything went so smoothly. Lupe was right about her perfect weather prediction last week.”    

“I hope everyone enjoyed the mini muffins and chocolate chip cookies!!! You guys did an amazing job...you'd never know it was the first race!!! Way to go GRC :)”  

“Outstanding 5k race today. The race organizers did an amazing job with this event. Lots of perks for the runners. Everything was top notch.”  

“Awesome job, Lupe, and all the GRC (members) who put their all into making that a fantastic race. I have heard nothing but positive feedback from my neighbors, coworkers, and community members who ran the race. Thanks so much!!!!”  

“What an AMAZING job well done GRC! So well organized and put together! Thank you!”  

“Congrats to all the race organizers and thank you to all the volunteers! Thanks to all your hard work and efforts we had a great race today!! GRC!!!”  

"It was nice to be part of this in my very small way. But I have to say everyone that was in on the organization of this did such a great job. So much thought went into it. Congrats!" 

"Thanks for the motivation Joelle = was doing my best to keep you in sight! And thanks Lupe - you guys had it all together today! A testament to a dedicated and knowledgeable committee - glad my two cents were helpful."  

"Congratulations GRC on the race today! Great job from top to bottom!"  

"All of you volunteers did an amazing job on the race! Even though I couldn't volunteer this time, I wanted you to know your hard work and hours of time are appreciated. You pulled off an excellent event."

"What an amazing inaugural race!! SO many people so impressed with the organization of the race..and so much hard work went in..you guys really rocked it out! Congrats on a job WELL DONE!"  

"What a 5k race...since I was on the outside looking in...appeared to me that in general all the runners thought it was very well done.  You had plenty of space, the start/finish was close but not crowded. the booths were organized and easy access.You had something going on everywhere (i.e. 102.3 - Tom - band) it was like going to a fair...who would of thought it was a 5k event. Plenty of parking...all around very well done. All your volunteers were amazing."

"Today confirmed my reason for being part of this GRC family. What a great event - What great people. Way to knock it down GRC."  

"Thanks Lupe...and thanks for such an awesome race! Can't wait 'til next year!!!"  

"Lupe... you are the nucleus of GRC! What a great turn out, everything seemed to fall into place...from all the efforts of (the) committee volunteers and members. Congratulations and a huge 'thank you' to all those that helped to create an incredible event (sponsors, race organizers, and volunteers)!!!! Great race, great teamwork!!!!"  

"Usually inaugural races are the worst ever...not this one! Thx GRC Committee and all those who helped make it so. Nicely Done.  

"Terrific Race!! All around just magnificent! SO much interest in the club following the race. Glad to be a part of this!"  

"Great job everybody!"  

"Congratulations and a huge 'thank you' to all those that helped to create an incredible event (sponsors, race organizers, and volunteers)!!!! Great race, great teamwork!!!!"  

"Congratulations on what really is a remarkable first race. Everyone I was around today thought it was great. We had a blast…thank you!"  

"You did it! A 5k! A job well done. What a great team, The Library and GRC. History has been made! Thank you to everyone who made this happen: GRC, library, family, friends, police, fire, park district, school, bands, choir, local businesses and the Manor Lake subdivision. We all have special talents and yesterday we came together like pieces in a puzzle to create this beautiful picture. An event for future generations to come."    

"Just wanted to let you know that I thought the “Just Book It” race was well organized and looked like a great event. Loved seeing all the vendors and number of runners attending. I’m looking forward to running in this race again in the future."  

"Well done…I hope it turned out to be a success on your end."

Gallardo posted her own words of thanks after having organized the race:

"History was made in Grayslake…this was the first Grayslake 5K with the largest registrants at an inaugural event. Rave reviews from registrants, spectators, and sponsors! People loved how this event "felt"--it had a small town feel--sort of how people feel when you go to a HS game---the band, the vendors, the kids, parents, grand-parents...it was amazing."

(Comments posted as submitted, with light edits for style.)