CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, ILLINOIS

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Walk, Run & Roll with Team Noah!

Noah Lukach’s bright and beautiful smile lit up the finish line of our annual 5K for nine straight years. Sadly, Noah passed away in March of 2020 due to a respiratory illness. To keep Noah’s memory and legacy alive and well in the local community, his family has teamed up with the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend team to create a new “event” associated with the 5K.

Through Walk, Run, & Roll with Team Noah, people with disabilities will be able to complete the 5K with their caregivers and/or family and friends. They will experience the thrill of race weekend, as Noah did, and the joy of leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Eighty (80) individuals plus one caregiver/family member will receive complimentary entry into the 5K as well as special Team Noah shirts, and other goodies. (Application is required; see the link at the bottom of this page to apply).

This is Jan Seeley, director of the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend and I’d like to share this video about our Walk, Run & Roll with Team Noah program. Take it away Licia!

Team Noah Flyer (Team Noah Flyer-Spanish)

ABOUT TEAM NOAH

Team Noah was created in the summer of 2010 when his Mom, Licia, wanted to find something new to do with her son, Noah, who was multiply impaired. Noah was born with an undiagnosed neuromuscular disorder that impacted his physical and intellectual abilities. He required total care for all activities of daily living and used a wheelchair to navigate the world. Although Noah had many physical limitations, he exuded joy and happiness. Anyone who met Noah instantly melted from his big, bright smile and contagious laughter. So that summer Licia decided to start walking with Noah daily, and that soon progressed to running. By the end of the summer of 2010, Licia and Noah completed their first official 5K in Mahomet, Illinois. This summer hobby quickly turned into a family event, getting both Noah’s dad (Greg) and sister (Kaycee) involved. Each family member has had their turn pushing Noah in many 5Ks over the last decade.

Noah completed the Christie Clinic Illinois 5K nine times, and he absolutely loved this event! He enjoyed hearing people cheering for him and shouting his name as he stepped off to start the race and come across the finish line. Noah also loved hearing one of his favorite songs, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” performed before each race. Starting in 2022, the race will honor Noah with the Walk, Run, & Roll with Team Noah program, and we couldn’t be prouder to partner with the Lukach family on this endeavor.

To apply to be part of Team Noah 2025, complete this form. You will be contacted by a member of the Illinois Race Weekend Team with a comp registration code so you can register for the 5K and Team Noah.

APPLY FOR TEAM NOAH