Above / During the 2017 Judd-A-Thon hundreds of participants watched as the Lima Lima flying team soared overhead to heighten awareness for the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
The 5th Annual Naperville VFW 0.1K Judd-A-Thon is slated for 10.01AM Sun., Sept. 16, out behind the VFW, just steps from the Riverwalk. Festivities begin earlier and linger afterward.
The “race” is supported by generous sponsorships and spirited folks who “participate in the grueling one-minute endurance test,” said race organizer and VFW Commander Pablo Araya in an email blast, noting that anyone who missed out on the last four years has a chance to make history this year. “It’s our Fifth Annual, and we’ve set our goals high!”
All proceeds benefit VFW/National Home
Every penny collected goes directly to the VFW National Home for Children, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, featured online at www.vfwnationalhome.org.
The cost to take part in the run is $20 per person. All donations welcome.
Participants receive exclusive VFW/National Home T-Shirt, a race bib, a Goodie Bag filled with all kinds of great stuff, a post event party in the VFW Canteen which includes raffles galore and kids’ activities like a bouncy room.
“Best of all, participants will be awarded one of those white, oval stickers for the back of your car, announcing to the world that you completed the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, Fifth Annual, 0.1K Judd-A-Thon,” Araya added.
“For anyone who counts mileage, the distance comes out to about 109.3 yards,” quipped Araya. “Imagine how cool that sticker will look on your back window. Anyone can run a marathon or do a silly triathlon… but 0.1K — now that takes a special inner strength and will.”
An official timing clock, sponsor tents, first aid station, free snacks, massage tables, River 95.9 color commentary and music, Trolley transportation to the Start Line (for the truly lazy), awards for top finishers, PT warm ups directed by a real live Marine Drill Instructor, a T-34 Mentor Fly Over by the aerial acrobatic team Lima Lima, a Best Costume Competition, and much, much more will create quite a scene.
All ages, all abilities welcomed
And even the staunchest couch potato can be competitive. Fun-loving organizers recall a participant in a full body cast who crossed the line…dead last. Two years ago a 94-year-old Veteran barely inched out a victory against his long time 92-year-old rival.
“Last year we raffled off flights in the Lima Lima birds. This year there are other surprises in the works,” said Araya.
The limit of participants in the .01K is 400. Araya urges folks to sign up “before all the coveted spots are taken.”
Whether racing or not, spectators are welcome with cheers and support, all of which will benefit the National Home.
The Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 is located at 908 W. Jackson Ave.
For more information, the Judd-A-Thon Application/Sponsorship Form is available at /files/2018_Race_App.pdf.