Run with Carl, a tradition of 22 years, is an annual race held in the Quad Cities on Labor Day.
In 1994; PVHS student Carl Schillig, 15 years old at the time, was killed in a car-pedestrian accident. The Carl D. Shillig Memorial Fund was created to eternalize the memory of Carl. This race was a fundamental piece of raising funds for his memorial, and Carl’s family has been using these funds to offer scholarships to PV graduates since 1998.
“Built on hard work of the Schillig family, the Pleasant Valley Educational Foundation, and the Bettendorf Community Schools Foundation made almost $14,000 each,” said Beth Marsoun, Communications Director and PV Foundation Secretary.
Marsoun began working for the Pleasant Valley Education Foundation in 2015, which was the first year PVEF coordinated the event. “It has been one of my favorite parts of the job, learning about Carl and his family and seeing how many people want to help students in his name,” added Marsoun.
This organization is operated by the Pleasant Valley Educational Foundation and the Bettendorf Community Schools Foundation. To further the tradition of Run with Carl’s and get the community involved, this year the PVEF is organizing a competition.
Because PV and Bettendorf are working together in this effort, the competition will be between grades, not PV district vs. Bettendorf district. There will be a point system with each class competing against each other. For example; if a freshman at PV or Bettendorf signs up to run the race, they’ll get 2 points for the combined PV/Bett class.
While the event is called, “Run with Carl”, walkers are warmly welcomed. Student clubs are encouraged to get a group together to participate in the event. The organization committee is also looking for volunteers to help setup and teardown, as well as cheer for participants along the race route.
People will receive 2 points for a race registration and 1 point for volunteering for the race or cheering along the route. The class with the most points will get $250 from Run with Carl to use as they please.
On May 16, 2017, there will be a registration drive during lunch for this year’s event. The race will take place on September 4, 2017.
“Run with Carl is truly a community event. People come back to Bettendorf from all over the country to run in the race. Carl’s memory is still strong 23 years later, and it’s amazing to see his legacy touch so many people,” said Marsoun.
