Looking Back and Looking Forward
The Superior Ambulance Service Elmhurst Cycling Classic and the Inaugural Elmhurst Twilight Mile Were A Big Hit and Made A Big Impact
The DuPage Cycling Foundation had 3 objectives in 2024: Competition, Community & Charity. The June 8, 2024 Elmhurst Cycling Classic and Elmhurst Twilight Mile accomplished those objectives. In case you missed it, here are some highlights based upon feedback from racers and spectators:
“Elmhurst is back!” Racers and fans alike love Elmhurst and the energy of the event. Racers traveled from all over the Midwest to compete. We had great crowds and very exciting racing, even in the afternoon rain. Our racer attendance was large compared to other venues, and the racing was FAST.
Racers from across the Midwest went for the IL State Championship
“WOW!” The local Elmhurst team stole the show in the Elite Category 3 race! Marshall Chubirka who races for Elmhurst-based EMC2 “broke away” from a large field of racers and rode SOLO for over 30 minutes to win. The announcer had the crowds cheering at the Start/Finish line as Marshall tried to hold off the charging, strong riders (those pictured above). It was an amazing feat of strength and fitness.
Marshall Chubirka’s winning performance was worthy of loud cheering, as this fan demonstrated!
The Elite Cat 3 winner from Elmhurst-based EMC2 had time to salute the crowds after an amazing ride!
A Bloomington, Indiana racer beats Chicago’s Team 606 in a rainy photo-finish of the Pro Elite Women.
“Elmhurst is a phenomenal running town!” The inaugural Elmhurst Twilight Mile drew close to 100 runners from Chicagoland, many of whom were very elite runners. The rain did not stop them from finishing in remarkable times, with the winner running a 4:13 mile - which is fast on this challenging course!
The rain did not deter elite runners from chasing victory & PR’s
Jack Aho came in solo with an amazing 4:13 mile on a wet course!
“This is why we do it.” The third objective of the DuPage Cycling Foundation is “to help those in need and the charities that serve them.” As the result of several events hosted by our small but mighty all-volunteer team, we are pleased to announce donations to individuals and charities of over $20,000 in 2024.
We supported several local organizations and funded scholarships at Elmhurst University. But we also sought to help individuals directly, and one of those individuals caught our attention.
Elmhurst resident, Jake, loved to ride his bike when he was younger, and he needed a special “adaptive bicycle” for safety. However, Jake outgrew the bike over the years, and custom adaptive bikes like his are very expensive. Working with Easter Seals and Jake’s parents, DuPage Cycling Foundation sponsored the purchase of a new adaptive bike for this fine young man. We are so excited to see him riding again and we sure hope to see Jake and his family in our Family Fun Ride on June 7th, 2025. Go Jake!
Jake outgrew his adaptive bike, but now has an amazing new bike. Look for him riding around Elmhurst!
These donations would not happen without the support many civic-minded leaders and businesses whose sponsorship make it possible to host these events. Please visit our sponsor page and thank them!
Looking Forward
2025 will be even bigger and better, so put June 7th, 2025 on your calendar now! Don’t miss this free, family fun event! You don’t have to be a runner or a bike racer to enjoy the food, music and excitement in Wilder Park! Please visit www.elmhurstcyclingclassic.com for more information, and stay tuned for updates!
See you in Elmhurst June 7th, 2025 whether you are racing, cheering, or both!
