For Immediate Release
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022
September 18, 2007

FALL FESTIVAL 5K HONORS RECORD-SETTING IRONMAN TRIATHALETE

Bob McKeague Receives First-Ever “Extra-Miler” Award

Wheaton (September 18, 2007) ― For some, running is a past-time, a hobby to be enjoyed during the few good-weather months Chicagoans receive.  For others, it is a passion, one that neither time nor age can silence. Villa Park native Bob McKeague, 82 years old, falls into the latter group.

“Bob McKeague has an athletic record that puts runners half his age to shame,” said Yolanda Campuzano, Chairman of the County’s Health and Human Services Committee.  “Bob has a list of athletic achievements that anyone, even a couch potato, would admire.  I commend him for his passion and dedication.”  

Most recently, at the age of 80, McKeague became the oldest athlete ever to complete the Ironman World Championship Triathlon in Hawaii on October 15, 2005, finishing with a time of 16 hours, 22 minutes.  He is an active member of the Chicago Area Runner’s Association (CARA) and he ran for the second time in this past weekend’s Fall Festival 5K Run/Family Walk, where he was presented with the first-ever “Extra-Miler” Award.

“The ‘Extra-Miler’ Award is given in recognition of outstanding athletic performance and achievement in the area of running.” said DuPage Convalescent Center Foundation Board President, Dan Harris.  “The mission of the DuPage Convalescent Center is to help residents do as much as they can, as well as they can, for as long as they can.  Bob’s competitive spirit and athletic achievements are the embodiment of this mission.  He is an inspiration for our residents and anyone who knows of him and his accomplishments.”

Bob was presented with the “Extra-Miler” Award during the Fall Festival 5K awards ceremony held immediately following the race.  The 6^th Annual Fall Festival 5K Run/Family Walk to benefit the residents of the Convalescent Center took place on Saturday, September 15, 2007. 

Proceeds from the Fall Festival 5K will be used to enhance and expand quality of life opportunities available to Convalescent Center residents, such as environmental improvements to allow for greater wheelchair accessibility and more soothing, home-like surroundings; resident recreational, arts and crafts programs; and caregiver education programs.

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