IRONMAN RACE FOR HIGHLAND PARK JULY 4th VICTIMS

My name is Bryan Okun, and I was born in Highland Park, IL, and raised next door in Lake Forest. Last year, I was inspired to improve my health and fitness, so I dove right in by signing up for a half Ironman (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run), which took place in Chattanooga, Tennessee this past May. After training with coaches, I was able to successfully complete that race, which was not only my first open water swim, and longest run, but also my first-ever triathlon. Training has done wonders for my overall well-being, so I decided to challenge myself further by signing up for the Full Ironman 2022, which will take place on September 11th in Madison, Wisconsin.

The race consists of a 2.4 mile swim in a lake, a 112 mile technical bike ride, and a 26.2 mile marathon run, which will be the longest for me in each category. I became fully committed to this since last September when I first learned how to swim, bike and run at a competitive level, but the only thing missing was a cause that would make it feel more worth the effort. I had been wondering if there was something that could give the race more meaning by providing a benefit beyond my own personal wellness, and to help others.

I found my cause on the day of the mass shooting at the July 4th parade in Highland Park, in which 7 people lost their lives, more than 30 people were injured, and the community was forever changed. I will never forget hearing about it while I was (ironically) watching the 4th of July parade in Lake Bluff, just two towns over. I was with my fiancé who was experiencing the parade for her first time, as well as hanging out with childhood friends, and family. That’s when we noticed my sister and brother-in-law, who had been sitting in the front row, grab my two- year-old nephew as they rushed to pack up and leave. I caught up to them as they pushed the stroller away from the parade, asking why they were leaving so early. My sister was obviously shaken up, as she told me she had just gotten a text from our aunt in Highland Park that a mass shooting was taking place at their parade, and people were killed. Her words took time for me to process, while my stomach felt like it had turned inside out.

As the news continues to unfold in all its horrific detail, the feelings of shock, anger and sadness are overwhelming, but at the same time we need to find hope and take action. I know we are all wondering what, if anything, we can do as individuals, and as a community to make a difference.

As we learn more about this tragedy, I can only imagine the medical bills, physical therapy, and supplies victims and their families may need. I have determined the fairest way to distribute funds is by teaming with the Highland Park Community Foundation and their July 4th Shooting Response Fund (https://www.hpcfil.org/july-4-fund/). I have spoken with the executive director of the foundation. The Highland Park Community Foundation and I have pledged that funds will STRICTLY be used to address the needs of victims who have been directly impacted by the July 4th tragedy. All assets will be distributed at the request of the foundation with disbursement completed by September 15th, after the race.

I will continue to network with friends, family and organizations to continue to get the message out and hopefully team with more athletes to help raise funds.

Let’s grieve, be angry, and then find ways to help each other through all of this. It isn't just one community that has been affected, but many. BE STRONG Thank you, Bryan