Plainfield OKs road closure for April 21 race
By Madhu Mayer Correspondent January 30, 2013 9:00AM
Updated: March 4, 2013 6:18AM
Spring not only brings rain and warm weather but also road closures in Plainfield.
The Plainfield Village Board authorized road closures for the inaugural 2013 Bengal Eastside Shuffle 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. April 21.
“The reason for this event is twofold,” said Justin Koszarek, race director and assistant band director at Plainfield East High School. “One is to encourage healthy activity in Plainfield students and the surrounding community.”
The other, he said, is to raise funds for the band program and the Earth Club, which offers students the opportunity to learn more about the planet and its resources.
“This year, they are focusing on installing, growing and cultivating a prairie at Plainfield East,” Koszarek said.
The school’s football stadium will serve as the main location for the race. The requested race route will include the partial closure of Plainfield-Naperville Road between 119th Street on the north and just south of 13100 Eider Drive.
Koszarek said he is expecting between 100 and 200 participants.
Trustee Paul Fay asked Police Chief John Konopek if police will be directing traffic during the race.
“Based on the route,” Konopek said, “it will (require) very little staffing.”
Genevieve Rogers, who lives near Plainfield East, agreed that the race should not disrupt anyone’s weekend plans.
