Run Across Illinois

She did it. Kathleen Rytman of Cudahy along with seven other men ran 162 miles straight through across the entire IL / WI border to benefit Chicago Run's children and youth running programs. These eight athletes began their journey on Friday August 17, 2012 at 5am in Dubuque IA at the Mississippi River and ran all the way to Lake Michigan in Zion IL. Chicago Run has a mission to promote the health and wellness of children through youth running programs in a growing number of Chicago schools. These 8 runners called themselves Team LOL which meant Land of Lincoln but also because they were "laughing Out Loud" at themselves for taking on this crazy idea. But they did it.
For the first 115 miles Kathy ran with runners Tony Cesario and Michael Wolkowicz. That got them through the first complete day and night. After that those lead three seperated. Mike and Tony rejoined together at 140 miles and were able to complete the run together in just over 42 hours. Kathy followed finishing at 45 hours. 45 hours meant finishing at 2am on Sunday morning while much of the world was asleep. Runners Chuck Schultz and Kamil Suran came in next in 54 hours and 50 minutes. Brain Gaines ran it in 57 hours and 33 minutes!!! Due to injury and other factors Scott Smoron had to call it quits after running an impressive 62 miles. Juan Juarez ran a personal record of 130 miles before having to call it a day.
These athletes all had amazing support from crew and pacers to help get them through 162 miles. Chicago Run provided shirts for the athletes. Kathy had an amazing crew of Raul Cervantes Jr for all day and night of Friday, her husband Pete took over crewing on Saturday morning until she finished. Being a crew person meant meeting the runner every 5 or so miles with food, water or other supplies. (not an easy job). After 110 miles Kathy had pacers Julie Yonek and Joy Avery each pace her 10 miles. Pacing means to run along side your runner and keep their mind off the task at hand and get them to the finish. After that Kathy had Scott Kummer and Alfredo Pedro run out the last 30+ miles with her and watched her put her feet in Lake Michigan.
Together these 8 athletes raised $2,819.00 for Chicago Run.