Kim Lago – HKRS – Shorewood, IL
How many seasons have you been a Community Coordinator?
I have been the Shorewood Community Coordinator for 7 years. This spring will be my 15th season.
What inspired you to join HKRS?
I became a Community Coordinator after seeing a friend post about the races her 4-year-old son was participating in. That inspired me to start Googling healthy kids’ races nearby. At the time, the closest one I could find was in Naperville. I knew I didn’t want to travel 45 minutes, but I also knew how much my own son loved to run, and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for him. So, I decided to call the company just to double-check that there wasn’t anything closer. During that phone call, I learned there actually was a race closer to home in Plainfield! The only catch was that the current coordinator was stepping down, and they were looking for someone to take over. Having been a PE teacher and coach my entire career, I thought it might be the perfect fit. Little did I know that one phone call would turn into something so rewarding. And here I am, seven years later!
What’s your favorite part of race day and/or what’s your proudest moment as a Community Coordinator?
My proudest moments are when I’m at a local event or simply out and about in town and someone recognizes me as “the running lady!” I also love when parents stop to share their children’s stories and how far they’ve come through the series. It truly is incredible to see the impact these races can have. Just two days ago, on Halloween, a former parent stopped me to say thank you for starting the series. They shared that this was where their child first discovered a love for running, and now that same child is running cross country and has even made it to the state series! Those are the moments that remind me why I do what I do. Knowing that something that started as a fun opportunity for young kids can grow into a lifelong passion for running makes it all worthwhile.
What’s something you’ve learned, whether a skill, a mindset, or a new perspective, since becoming a Community Coordinator?
Family and friends play such an important role on race day, and I truly wouldn’t be successful without the incredible people surrounding me. My husband has been supportive from the very beginning and has become such an important part of making race day special. My friends, who volunteer each week, are the heart of my team. They cheer on the kids, offer encouragement, and provide that friendly, welcoming face waiting at the finish line. My two children also play an important role by helping with stretching and getting the runners ready each week. It really is a family and volunteer effort, and I feel incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful support system behind me. I couldn’t do it without them!
