Village Gears Up For Barrington Honor Ride and Run

Cyclists and runners are gearing up for a brand-new athletic event in town, aimed to support combat veterans.

What started out as a simple bike ride has turned into the Barrington Honor Ride and Run, slated for Oct. 23.

“Mike Tobin, born and raised Barrington and current Fox News correspondent, has moved back to Chicago and was riding the trails in Barrington,” volunteer Karen Trzaska said. “He was thinking about the wounded warriors President Bush rode with this past summer and was hoping to bring a cycle celebration to Barrington in honor of our wounded warriors. He contacted local philanthropist and community-service advocate Dede Wamberg, asking for her help in getting this off the ground.”

The new event consists of a 30-mile bicycle rally, 10 kilometer and 5 kilometer run. The band 7th Heaven will perform for participants and the public at the finish line, located at . All proceeds will help veterans, especially those recovering from injuries.

“The 30-mile ride would benefit Ride2Recovery, which services wounded warriors through cycling rehabilitation programs, going so far as to present the warrior with bicycles custom-made for their disability.”

Originally, the event was just a bike ride, but Trzaska asked to add the 10k and 5k runs to benefit an additional military organization. 

“When I got the call to volunteer, I asked if we could add a 5k/10k run in support of Operation Homefront of Illinois, which provides immediate financial assistance and other support services to our active military and wounded warriors returning to civilian life. All parties agreed enthusiastically on the partnership, and the Barrington Honor Ride and Run was born!”

The military-focused event comes on the heels of the annual Barrington Freedom Festival’s abrupt end. We Do Care founder Dirk Beveridge announced this summer that the Sept. 11 race would be canceled in 2011. Trzaska said the Barrington Honor Ride and Run was not created as a replacement for the Freedom Festival, however We Do Care has helped keep the needs of military families as a priority for the community.

Organizers expect 600 rides and runners to participate in the Barrington Honor Ride and Run, and foresee thousands to watch the 7th Heaven concert that follows.

“This event is a fun and energetic day for family friends and community of all ages to join together in honor and support of our wounded warriors,” Trzaska said.

If you’d rather volunteer than cycle or run, the group is still looking for help in that area. Volunteers are needed to serve along the course as marshals, and water station aids. To sign up as a volunteer, head to the event’s website or Facebook page.

Although the first Barrington Honor Ride and Run hasn’t even happened yet, plans for next year are already in the works.

“We are already taking many notes and thinking about next year!” Trzaska said. 

Barrington Honor Ride and Run

• When: Oct. 23
• Registration/check-in: Begins at 10 a.m.
• Opening ceremony: Noon
• Concert: 7th Heaven performs at 2 p.m.
• Where: Starting line is Barrington train station, 201 S. Spring St. 
• Cost: $35 includes registration for run or ride and concert ticket;
  $15 for 7th Heaven concert ticket only;
  $20 for all military, includes all events.