THE FOLLOWING IS A NEWS-GAZETTE STORY BY JENNIFER BAILEY
ABOVE: Vinnie is running with his mom, Jeny. (Provided)
HOOPESTON — Seven-year-old Vinnie Tester has become a pro at watching his mom run races and offering high-fives to race participants.
Now, he’ll be one of the runners in the spotlight that others will be cheering on during the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend.
Vinnie, who is autistic, will be running with his mom, Jeny, as part of Team Noah.
Through Walk, Run, & Roll with Team Noah, people with disabilities are able to complete the 5K with loved ones.
The event is named after Noah Lukach, who died six years ago from a respiratory illness. His family teamed up with the race weekend team to keep Noah’s memory and legacy alive.
FOR MORE FROM THIS STORY PLEASE GO TO https://www.news-gazette.com/news/2026-christie-clinic-illinois-race-weekend-7-year-old-hoopeston-boy-reverses-role-for-run/article_eb34a1b8-f990-4a27-ad2a-cd8771bde6c7.html
