Beautiful weather in Glen Ellyn mixed with the usual chilly Chicagoland breeze, 1,095 registered runners listened intently to the sound of the air horn blown by Trustee Frank Napolitano. It was the goal of everyone who ran or walked the 5k to arrive at the finish line first to win a $200 Visa gift card. Community members, College of DuPage students and employees, and even toddlers had their eyes on this prize. Jason Timberlake’s hit music “Can’t stop the feeling” was the right beat to send runners off.

Unlike other Sunset 5k events, this was a momentous one, owing to the fact that COD is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Notable runners included Trustee David Olsen who appeared like a pro-athlete in his green athletic uniform with the visible 1313 bib, and not his regular suit and tie.Olsen ran for 00:23:31 at a pace of 7:33/mile. COD faculty member Richard Jarman, was at the start line early enough to participate in a warm up before the actual run; he ran the 5k in 00:24:19.

768 participants made it to the finish line at an average pace of 12:48 per mile, and an average time of 39:49.

The winner of this year’s race went to David H. Woldesiilassie, a former student and now coach of the cross country team, who took 00:16:08 to hit the finish line amid jubilant shouts from the many volunteers and spectators.

“It’s fun every time you win; I’ve run a few 5k, and now I am up for a marathon,” said Woldesiilassie. He is scheduled to participate in the Chicago marathon in three weeks.

Smiles ran on the faces of everyone who organized or participated, even the last runner, 72 year old Betty Jean Mann, who took 01:19:53, exclaimed loudly “Great to Finish!”

“Today’s event that involved the food truck rally was incredible,” said Ami Chambers, one of the organizers of the event, and COD’s Community Relations Coordinator. “So many happy people. We are delighted to host this kind of professional event and also an event that is just a community fun time.”

This year the organizers included  a touch-a-truck for kids and their families to see impressive vehicles.They also doubled the number of food trucks and incorporated a free outdoor concert at the end, and this was all in celebration of COD 50th anniversary.