The seventh annual Fire Fighters Run for the Kids drew more than 1,000 participants July 19 to the Great Lawn on the Museum Campus near Soldier Field. The Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2 members sponsored the charity event benefiting local children's charities. The schedule included the 5K run and walk, a kids' dash and post-race party.

A gusty, refreshing northeasterly wind off the lake accompanied the evening. First place finisher Amy Thomas Elder, 44, of Chicago, ended at a swift 18:55. Thomas Elder said she used the weather to her advantage.

"It was really perfect because the wind was in your face for the first mile, which helps you breathe and warm up, and then it pushes you all the way back," she said.

The women's top runner also alluded towards having an affinity for evening runs, despite usually running earlier in the day.

"I really like later races," said Thomas Elder. "Physically, I'm stronger in the evening, but mentally, I'm much clearer in the morning-so it's kind of a trade off. But it was a real pleasure to be here."

The women's second-place finisher was Megan Baganz, 30, Chicago, in 19:22. Third was taken by Michelle Plummer, 30, from Chicago, with 19:34.

First place male runner Mark Reed, 29, of Orland Park, breezed past the field with a time of 15:41. Second went to Keith Mulhollon, 37, of Lake Geneva, with 16:07. Jason Brosseau, 21, from Palos Hills, captured third place in 16:33.

After partaking in the Kid's Corral activities of games and face painting, the kids got an opportunity to stretch their legs near the colonnades of Soldier Field. Each child runner, ages 2 to 11, received medals for their efforts in the kids' dashes, including 50-yard, 1/4-mile and 1/2-mile.

Grace and Olivia Fisher, who each turned 4 last week, were visiting all the way from Manassas, Virginia. The two girls took part in the dash after the main run.

Said their grandmother, "They love running, and their mother ran the 5K, so they wanted to run with her on this day too."

Other young runners wanted to follow in their parent's footsteps tonight- literally.

The run did not take too much encouragement from the parents: many children like Molly and Tommy Flynn, of Chicago, wanted to join in on their own accord.

"I wanted to do it with my parents because I like being by them," said Tommy.

The Run for the Kids has donated over $175,000 to foundations and organizations contributing towards improving children's assisted living, terminal illnesses and injuries.

Top 10 finishers
Male results
1. Mark Reed, 29, Orland Park, IL, 15:41
2. Keith Mulhollon, 37, Lake Geneva, WI, 16:07
3. Jason Brosseau, 21, Palos Hills, IL, 16:33
4. Mickey Wilson, 22,Chicago, IL, 16:40
5. Bryan Carlson, 32, Chicago, IL, 16:49
6. Dan McGinn, 34, Chicago, IL, 16:56
7. Dave Groombridge, 40, Fort Worth, TX, 16:59
8. Steve Nusser, 37, Geneva, IL, 17:02
9. Dallen Ashby, 30, Chicago, IL, 17:16
10.John Decker, 39, Chicago, IL, 17:40

Female results
1. Amy Thomas Elder, 44, Chicago, IL, 18:55
2. Megan Baganz, 30, Chicago, IL, 19:22
3. Michelle Plummer, 30, Chicago, IL, 19:34
4. Vicky Garcia, 12, Chicago, IL, 19:35
5. Lisa Nesta, 31, Fort Worth, TX, 19:37
6. Sarah Agsten, 38, Chicago, IL, 19:49
7. Kristine Kinder, 37, Chicago, IL, 20:16
8. Ellen Erhardt, 36, Chicago, IL, 20:24
9. Christina Pfeefer, 28, Chicago, IL, 20:32
10. Ashlee Karp, 18, Valparasio, IN, 20:49

Click here for complete race results.