MAYWOOD, IL—The 9th annual Loyola Medicine 5K Supporting Pediatric Care & Research will be held virtually from Friday, June 26, through Sunday, June 28, 2020.

While the 5K has taken place at the Brookfield Zoo over the past several years, due to public health restrictions related to the COVID-19 virus, and out of an abundance of caution, this year’s event will be held virtually.

“Participants will be able to social distance while running, jogging or walking in their community and on the day of their choice. said Jerold M. Stirling, MD, chair of the Loyola Medicine Department of Pediatrics. “As always, the event is a fun and active way for individuals and families to show their support for the pediatric programs at Loyola Medicine.”

Registration is now open at loyolamedicine.org/5k The cost is $35 for adults and $25 for children, ages 3-11, and includes a special one-of-a-kind t-shirt for this year's race and engagement prize opportunities. Rather than reported times, participants are asked to post photos and videos about their race on social media utilizing #LoyolaMedicine5K.

To date, the annual Loyola Medicine 5K has raised more than $900,000 to benefit pediatric programs at Loyola, including a 98-bed, full-service children's hospital. The hospital-within-a-hospital consists of:

As a Level III Perinatal Center, Loyola offers the latest technology and therapies and serves as a national model for specialized protocols and practices in the care of premature infants.

For more information on the 2020 Loyola Medicine 5K Supporting Pediatric Care & Research email Philanthropy@luhs.org or visit loyolamedicine.org/5K.