District 181 Superintendent Jim Wipke finished third in his age group in the 10K at the 32nd annual Rotary Run Charity Classic on Sunday, Oct. 4, at Robbins Park.

Wipke, who started as D181 superintendent on July 1, ran the 10K course and then stayed to serve as the official starter for both the Tricycle Race and the Mascot Race, according to the district. D181 students, staff and families turned out for the annual event at Seventh and Vine streets.

When The Hinsdalean profiled Wipke in August, he said he was "most looking forward to getting into our school buildings, meeting our students and staff, and continuing to build strong relationships across our incredible D181 community."

Two D181 schools took home hardware. Hinsdale Middle School won the Mr. K Cup, given to the middle school with the highest percentage of registered student runners. HMS Assistant Principal Kory Kliebert accepted the award after running the 5K with his family and steering a tricycle in the Tricycle Race.

The Lane School won the Mrs. B. Trophy for the highest total number of student participants. The Trainor family accepted the trophy on behalf of the school.

In the Mascot Race, Hootie the Oak Owl won first place for the third straight year.

Dash the Prospect Panther finished a close second.

The race, officially called the Rotary Run Charity Classic, featured 10K, 5K and 3K run options along with 5K and 3K walks and a Mutt Strutt. Proceeds go to Rotary Club of Hinsdale charitable programs. People's Resource Center, a DuPage County nonprofit, said on X that its volunteers helped run the event, calling it "a great day for a great cause."

The race drew participants beyond D181 families. The Chicago Flyers Track Club posted on Instagram that several of its runners reached the podium, including first-place finishes in the 5K and 3K.