The annual Run with Carl event takes place every Labor Day weekend with the course starting at Bettendorf Middle School. The Bettendorf Community Schools Foundation and the Pleasant Valley Educational Foundation administer the race every year.
Since 1994, Run with Carl has brought the greater Quad City community together to honor the legacy of Carl Schillig. Schillig was an enthusiastic student and cross-country runner at Pleasant Valley High School who passed away at 15 years old in a car-pedestrian accident.
To carry on Schillig’s spirit, his family created a generous memorial fund, which provides scholarships to Pleasant Valley and Bettendorf graduating seniors. This race was initially created to raise money for that fund. Entry fees and corporate sponsors have continued to contribute to the memorial fund to assist high school graduates in their pursuit of higher education.
But a week before the Run with Carl event in 2022, a PVHS graduate and runner suddenly passed away: Ian Kaffenberger.
Kaffenberger’s family has continued to keep his memory alive by spreading love and establishing two Pleasant Valley scholarships in his honor. His passing developed a second cause for Run with Carl and inspired even more participation.
Many community members ran for both Schillig and Kaffenberger, which exemplifies how both athletes made lasting impacts on the people who had the honor of meeting them. Their legacies continue to inspire, and their lives are forever cherished. Run with Carl is far more than just a race event. It is an opportunity to support the community and run for a cause.
People of all ages and running abilities were welcome to participate in the 5 Mile Run, 5K Run/Walk, or Children’s ½ mile Fun Run. Beyond that, countless volunteers, avid community members, business sponsors, school cross-country teams, band members and cheerleaders attended the race to participate, spectate or support the runners.
Volunteers diligently worked before, during and after the race to set up cones, organize registration packets, handle water stops and arrange awards tents. The community truly came together to make this event possible. Even after 30 years, the energy of Run with Carl has never dwindled.
The action even extended to high school activities.
Cheerleaders from Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley displayed their support at the event by cheering on the participants throughout the course. Additionally, members of the Pleasant Valley Platinum dance team applauded and encouraged runners as they turned the corner heading for the finish line.
The involvement of these teams in this community event brought enthusiasm and school spirit to the experience. “It is very motivational when the cheerleaders and attendees cheer us on while we race. It makes the race go by so much faster and keeps the energy high,” senior cross-country runner Ella Welch said.
The Pleasant Valley drumline has an annual tradition of performing at Run with Carl to enhance the music, fun and energy of the race. “Almost all of our cadences are fast-paced and help the runners get into a good mindset for the last half of the race along with hopefully bringing them a sense of excitement and urgency. A lot of runners love to listen to music while running, and the cadences that we play are perfect for running too,” senior drumline leader Landon Wiese expressed.
Because of the notable community involvement, Run with Carl would not have been the same without all of the different groups showing up to do their part. “It is important to participate in this event because not only do we need to sound good, which requires all drumline instruments, but we are there for encouragement to runners. Many of them were really appreciative that we were up at that time in the morning and came to play specifically for them,” Wiese stated.
This event would not have been complete without the local cross-country teams. These young athletes embody Schillig and Kaffenberger’s passion for running. Running in their memory heightened the importance of the race. It was a special experience that even prepared the cross-country teams for future events. “The girl’s cross country team uses this race as a training run leading into our first race of the season, The Spartan Challenge,” Welch said.
Run with Carl opened up countless chances for community involvement, and the Quad Cities did not disappoint. While honoring the beloved legacy of Schillig, people of all ages found ways to contribute their skills to establish a successful turnout for the event’s 30th anniversary.
