Grayslake Unity Run Provided Sense of Healing

Many people were moved by the tragic events of the Boston Marathon bombings and wanted to do something to show their support. Lupe Gallardo-Kathrens, founder and president of the Grayslake Running Club, had participated in the Boston Marathon, along with several others from Grayslake.

On her way home from Boston, Gallardo-Kathrens connected with Linda Scholz, owner of Something's Brewing, and Leslie Lipps, owner of Artografi, and the two helped her pull together many community members who assisted in creating a Unity Run.

Q: How many people attended the Unity Run?

A: Close to 150 people…runners, walkers, families, children—it was amazing to see our community come together.

Q: How many people helped put it together?

A: It literally took a village…the village of Grayslake!  I was absolutely amazed at the teamwork that made our event possible. One of my favorite quotes is by Althea Gibson: “No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you.” Everyone helped!

It is truly unheard of for a running event to come together in 1.5 days. The Boston Unity Walk/Run event took place on April 20. There were so many people who helped to make this event possible; members of the Grayslake Running Club, countless friends, Bruce Bassett, Lauren Hagan, Mayor Rhett Taylor, Grayslake Fire Department, Grayslake Park District, officials from the Village of Grayslake, the Grayslake Police Department, Julie Jason, Kevin McCrory, Grayslake Police Chief Phil Perlini, Grayslake Patch and of course the many residents of Grayslake.

The community united that morning…runners, non-runners, walkers, moms, dads, children, parents and grandparents, even pets! 

Q: Was everybody focused on Boston? Were there tears or mainly smiles?

A: Yes, Boston was on everyone’s mind. There were many hugs, smiles and tears.

Q: How did it feel for you after having been in Boston?

A: There were several local runners there who participated in the 2013 Boston Marathon. It was the first time some of us had seen each other since the event so it was good to reconnect. 

Personally, for me the entire week has been an emotional journey. Our Boston Unity Walk/Run was a much needed moment of healing. I think for many, the Unity Runs throughout the country were a way to honor the innocent victims and the families of this tragic event. We can now exhale and look forward to closure and justice.

As I tell my running club members, let’s run on!

Lupe Gallardo-Kathrens

Founder and President, Grayslake Running Club