Multi-tasking run helps Historical Society
HUNTLEY — A sun-splashed Saturday included beer chugging and running to support a Huntley community group.
Huntley Historical Society was the beneficiary of the Second Annual Beer Mile event, held at the grounds of Sew Hop’d Brewery and Tap Room in Huntley. More than 60 participants took to the beer drinking and running course. Some competed as relay teams while others did so individually.
“We had the Beer Mile last year and had about 40 runners,” Historical Society member Lonnie Oldham said.
The Huntley Historical Society has a future project in mind.
“We would like to use the funds for a future museum,” Oldham said.
Oldham praised the rich history of the town of Huntley, dating back to its dairy farm days which dominated the area.
“In the 1800s, we were the milk capital of the world, then with the dairy farms, other businesses came,” Oldham said.
“Our mission is to preserve and promote Huntley history through educational events and community activities,” according to the group’s web site.
For race day, the 60 plus runners competed in three heats. Signs such as “start chugging now” and “you got this” dotted the course. A chug of John Boy Pilsner beer was required before each lap.
Two of the participants enjoyed each other’s efforts as Savannah Henn and her dad Tom ran their miles. Both are alumni of Huntley High School, as Savannah Henn ran track and field for the Red Raiders, then at Judson College. She teaches at Hoffman Estates school district and is involved at D158 as junior varsity cheerleading coach.
Savannah Henn defended her women’s Beer Mile championship, one of the trophy winners as she had a time of 10 minutes, 46 seconds.
“I am so happy with today. I was able to cut three minutes of my time from last year,” Savannah Henn said.
“I’m so proud of her,” Tom Henn said. “It’s a lot of fun. We’re here and cheering on everyone.”
A Crystal Lake based running club, the Hillsliders, aka Happy Feet, took the relay team honors. Members were Dave Eidel of Barrington; Nikki Deverin of Crystal Lake; Michaela Havennmann of Algonquin and Michael Balian of Crystal Lake.
Havermann was competing in her second race of the day.
“I finished 10th at the seven mile event in Davenport, Iowa,” she said. “Here I was the weakest link.”
Dave Reicert of Hampshire won the title for the men’s fastest male runner with a time of 6:46.
“I love to run,” he said.
Others said the beer drinking was more difficult portion of the day.
Lions Club event
The Sew Hop’d Brewery and Taproom will also be host to an event this weekend. The Huntley Area Lions Club will host its Second Annual Brat & Beer Fest from 2-8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3. The fundraiser will help with those sight and hearing needs.
