Update: Over $19,000 Raised for Folds of Honor

After tallying every donation, registration, and generous contribution, The Land We Love Run 5K/10K + 2-Mile Walk proudly raised $19,265.75 in support of Folds of Honor!

These funds will provide scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders, making a difference in their lives.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this event.

ORIGINAL POST
What began feeling like a dog day of summer quickly transformed into a morning of cool energy, powered by the excitement and anticipation brought by the almost 200 registrants at this year’s Land We Love Run–setting new records! Even more exciting was the strong turnout of returning participants and a new crowd of first-timers, all coming together to make this year’s event one for the books!

On June 29, 2025, the Village of Barrington Hills and Cuba Township hosted their 5^th annual Land We Love Run 5K/10K or 2-mile Walk (LWLR) charity event benefitting Folds of Honor and Cuba Township’s Food Pantry. 

The record-breaking number of participants kicked off the week’s Independence Day celebrations by taking on a run or walk through the Hills, setting out to beat personal goals, competing in teams, training for something larger, or just to have fun.

Participants not only came from the Barrington area and the greater Chicago metropolitan area but also from out of state, including Florida, Missouri and New Mexico.

First-time LWLR 5K runner, John from Evanston (pictured left), was searching for an organized run as a training opportunity for the Detroit marathon when he came across the Land We Love Run. “I loved it; it was a great course,” he said with a laugh, acknowledging there really are hills. “It’s very hilly… the t-shirt makes sense.”  John medaled in his category.

Bernice, an avid runner who came to the Hills from Aurora, saw a flyer about the LWLR and thought, “Why not?” She didn’t know what to expect.

When crossing the finish line, through an exuberant smile, and with an exhale keeping in time with each stride hitting the pavement, Bernice shared with VBH staff, “Bhee…bhack…nhext…yhear…” Bernice medaled in her category.

This year’s most unusual story belongs to Susan, LWLR’s titleholder for most patriotic costume. Decked out in stars and stripes, Susan caught the attention of a fellow participant. As they struck up a conversation, they realized they were high school classmates who hadn’t seen each other in years. Neither had any idea the other would be at the event, but it was Susan’s patriotic costume that brought this unexpected reunion! Just another example of a surprising moment at the Land We Love Run! And Susan, too, medaled in her category.

The airhorn blew emphatically that morning and yes, it announced the beginning of the race.  But it was more than that. It marked the result of the incredible effort made by hundreds of people coming together to make this charity event possible, ultimately helping those in need. It was a morning filled with pride–not just in the race but in our country and its freedoms. It celebrated community support, camaraderie, encouragement and caring for one another.

Thanks to everyone’s support, this year’s LWLR raised an estimated, record-breaking $15,000 for Folds of Honor, and pounds of food were collected for Cuba Township Food Pantry families.

We congratulate John, Bernice, Susan and all the top finishers in their categories, and we extend that congratulations to everyone who made this event possible– runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, organizers, and cheer squads.  Without YOU, none of this could have happened. YOU’RE ALL WINNERS!

Race results can be found by following the link, The Land We Love Run 2025 Results.

Event photos can be viewed on the photo page of the Village’s website. Follow the link, 2025 The Land We Love Run

Both Folds of Honor’s and Cuba Township Food Pantry’s families need your support all year long. To learn how you can make a difference, follow the links.

Thanks for the memories! We’ll see you at the starting line in 2026!

*Header photo courtesy of Anson Mount.