Local Company Proposes Half-Marathon

The 10^th Street Bridge is one of Bensenville's most recognizable landmarks, providing a spectacular view of the city. The bridge is often closed due to severe weather. [1] But a local firm is trying to gain approval to close it for a different reason: a New Year's Day half-marathon.

An event-planning company, Cheers Co. LLC, wants to stage a half-marathon on Janua1y 1, with part of the proceeds going to local hospitals. [2] Under this ambitious plan, the 10^th Street Bridge would have to be closed to traffic between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. on January 1, so that runners can cross it as they approach the finish line while the sun rises over the town.

[3] The company has applied to both the local and state departments of transportation for authorization. While that permission has not been granted yet, Cheers Co. spokesperson Naomi Crowe remains optimistic. "We hope to have about 2,000 runners in the first race, and our fundraising goal is $100,000," Crowe said. [4] Planning for the race is still in the early stages, she says, but the goal is to make it an annual event. She explained that traffic is generally light on New Year's Day, so few drivers would be inconvenienced.