Incarcerated Youth Complete First 5K at St. Charles Facility

ST. CHARLES — Nine youth in the custody of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice completed a 5K run and walk last month at the PEACE Center in St. Charles as part of Project FLEX, a partnership with Northern Illinois University. Officials said the event was the result of a running club started earlier this year to promote fitness and personal growth through structured training. NIU professors Zach Wahl Alexander and Jennifer Jacobs said participants trained for several months with NIU graduate students and staff before the race. IDJJ Acting Director Rob Vickery said he was proud of the youth for their effort and commitment. Staff and supporters helped along the route, and participants finished with a cookout following the event.