Aids Run/Walk photos

A crisp fall morning brought a record-breaking 7,000 participants to the annual AIDS Foundation (AFC) 5K Run & Walk Chicago Oct. 3 in Grant Park.

Prior to the race, AFC organizers welcomed the masses, announcing the $2 million the event had netted for over 100 community organizations that benefit those with HIV and AIDS. The stage was then introduced a variety of motivational speakers, entertainers and political figures. U.S. Congressman (and Cook County Board President candidate) Danny Davis was among the guests who highlighted the “urgency” of fighting this epidemic. The pre-race continued with participants gathering in the Health & Fitness Village, a section of the park sponsored by the Illinois Department of Public Health that was dotted with tents and booths featuring a variety of HIV/AIDS organizations.

Race winners for the run portion of the event were later announced. Marcus Thomas was the top male runner with a time of 18:12 while Kristen Scolarici was the first woman to cross the line, with a time of 20:49.

The event closed with more after-race refreshments and entertainment featuring spoken word by Young Chicago Authors. This was AFC’s eighth Run & Walk event in Chicago. Text by Byron Flitsch and photos by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotography.com). See many more photos online at WindyCityTimes.com.