Historical Western Springs
The Evolution of the Tower Trot
Many Western Springs residents are too young to remember when there wasn’t a Tower Trot. But this annual tradition has a lot of history … and is still going strong.
Back in 1978, the Village’s Recreation Commission was almost totally dependent on tax revenue to fund its various programs. So, programs were somewhat limited and the Commission was looking for new ways to raise revenue. As luck would have it, one of the Commission members, Len Caldeira, had recently taken up running. As a result, he suggested that the Commission hold an annual foot race with a modest entry fee. The Commission decided to give it a try by holding a 5K (3.1 mile) race and a 10K (6.2 mile) race in June. And, since the start line would be at the historic Water Tower, it was to be named the “Tower Trot”. But, funding was non-existent, so Caldeira (now the race director) searched for a sponsor. The Competitive Foot, the town’s …
Darren McRoy
10:51 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
IMO, the FINISH line should be there! :-) more ›