In a vibrant display of community spirit, runners of all ages came together for the Independence Run 5K, with participants donning festive red, white, and blue attire, including an Uncle Sam costume, alongside those in their running gear and uniforms.
They were gathered for the 45th Annual Independence Day Run 5K, a celebration of the nation’s birthday with a community fitness event in the downtown Riverside community.
The race announcer noted that this year’s participation levels are the highest since before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Paul Proteau was the top male finisher in this race with a net time of 16:38 minutes and a pace of 5:21 per mile. Juliana Gamboa was the first female finisher to cross the finish line with a time of 19:24 minutes and a pace of 6:15 per mile.
Riverside resident Chloe Marrello said she participated in the Independence Run 5k as a way to train since she is participating in a triathlon race in August.
Independence Day 5k Race | Photo by Hector Cervantes 
Independence Day 5k Race | Photo by Hector Cervantes 
Independence Day 5k Race | Photo by Hector Cervantes 
Independence Day 5k Race | Photo by Hector Cervantes 
Independence Day 5k Race | Photo by Hector Cervantes 
Independence Day 5k Race | Photo by Hector Cervantes
“I run around Riverside all the time. So, it’s kind of around the same route (as the race course). I always run and the course actually goes by my house so it’s really nice because it’s so beautiful with all the trees and makes the run really enjoyable,” Marrello said.
LaGrange resident John Hennelly was another runner who completed the Independence Run 5K with his friend. He runs cross country and his coach sent an email to their team about the 5K, noting that it’s a great opportunity to check their progress over the summer.
When asked how this race compared to other races Marrello participated in, he responded that it is more of a relaxed race.
“This race is more relaxed compared to Peoria and a few other races I’ve been to. This one is not too stressful and I don’t have to worry about everyone here getting times in the 16-minute range,” Hennelly said. “This race is a good one to check on my progress and see where I am at before the season starts this fall and if I must slow down.”
Marrello has been running about twice a week, usually shorter distances, swimming once a week and biking whenever possible.
“Biking is my least favorite part of the triathlon. I did swimming in high school and that is my favorite part of the upcoming triathlon because that is the part I can handle,” Marrello said.
Before the race, Marcello had coffee and didn’t eat much because eating a lot doesn’t make her feel good.
“During the race, I was just trying to get through the initial pack of people and find my place and find some sort of people to run around. And then I didn’t drink anything until the end, but I was running through people’s sprinklers. Residents who left their sprinklers on for us was nice for them.” Marrello said.
One of the most memorable moments Marcello had was seeing her parents along the route. Marcello’s dad is a police officer who was stationed at a blocked-off section, and seeing her mom pass by the house added to the enjoyment of the experience.
Kassie Hennelly said she came to see her son, John, in the race. As a spectator, Hennelly said she loved the theme for the race.
“Everyone is having fun and came out today to support the runners. Everybody is in red, white and blue and everyone is happy,” Hennelly said.
As the race concluded, the race announcers gave a shout out to the sponsors for making this event possible. The sponsors for this year’s race include Star Buds, Christopher & Burke Engineering, ltd. and Flood Brothers. The announcers also thanked the community and volunteers.
