On Saturday, October 14th, 2023, we’re holding our 12th Annual Nik’s Home Run event at Rockford Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park, IL. It’s a 7K Run, 1.5 Mile Fun Walk, Virtual 5K, and a display of Grammy’s Auction items available for online bids. The Stadium opens at 8:00 AM (FREE Admission). The 7K Run and Fun Walk start at 9:00 AM for those registered.

This is Nik’s Home Run 7th year on the Rockford Road Runners Circuit as a Certified USATF Race with chip-to-chip timing. Splits are announced at each mile marker. (Walkers are not timed.) Water and first aid stations are available. $100 goes to the overall male & female winners. Age group, team, and para-athlete winners will also be recognized. If dedicating your race to someone, bring a copy of their picture for our Dreaming Tree.

The Fun Walk is $25. The 7K Run is $35 until Oct 1st, then $40 after. All registrants will get an awesome Goodie SWAG Bag and a chance to win 2 Bears tickets. The first 200 registrants get a COOL event T-shirt. If you cannot join us, do the Virtual 5K for $25; you’ll receive all the SWAG plus a Finisher’s Pin. Register at https://www.classy.org/event/2023-niks-home-run-and-walk/e442077.

$100 cash prize for overall male & female 7K Runners. Awards also for top 7K male & female runners in each age division: 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+. Awards for top 7K male & female para-athletes.

Team Prizes: Overall 5 Person Male Team, Female Team, Coed Team (having at least 2 female scores) Note: Top 4 times will be averaged.

Our Nik’s Wish (Aladdin’s type) Lamp will be there! This is a family friendly event; kids welcomed! All the Stadium facilities, including public restrooms, will be available, along with a terrific food stand. Come meet some of the young adult cancer warriors and their families. Music will play and you can even shop at the Team Store. The deeply moving closing ceremony will honor both the outstanding runners and courageous young adults that Nik’s Wish serves.

All proceeds benefit Nik’s Wish. The mission of Nik’s Wish, The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation is to BRING HOPE & JOY to young adults (18-24), and their loved ones, fighting cancer. Nik’s Wish is a 501(c)(3) charity.