The Flossmoor Village Board recognized local runners, volunteers and student-athletes as it proclaimed June 3 as Global Running Day in the village.
During the June 1 board meeting, Mayor Michelle Nelson said running has long been an important part of her life and helps bring people together through shared experiences and healthy living.
“This is a community that runs,” Nelson said before inviting local runners, race organizers and student-athletes to join her at the front of the meeting room.
The proclamation noted that Global Running Day is an annual worldwide celebration, held on the first Wednesday in June, that encourages people of all ages and abilities to engage in physical activity. Village officials said the observance aligns with Flossmoor’s commitment to health, wellness and recreation.
Among those recognized was Tamerra Buckhanan, an 82-year-old lifelong runner who has participated in every Flossmoor Family Run/Walk Hidden Gem event. Buckhanan recently earned the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal after completing the Chicago, London, New York, Tokyo, Berlin and Boston marathons.
The village also honored organizers of the Hidden Gem Half Marathon for helping build community pride through running and volunteerism. Nelson noted that this year’s race, set for Sept. 12, sold out in less than nine hours.
In addition, the proclamation celebrated the accomplishments of local student-athletes, including the Homewood-Flossmoor High School girls track and field team, which recently captured its second consecutive state championship, and members of the Parker Junior High School track and field team, who earned multiple state titles and set new records during a historic season.
The proclamation states that the achievements of the honorees exemplify the dedication, perseverance and community spirit that make Flossmoor a vibrant community.
