Hundreds gathered in Hopkins Park Sunday to raise money for pediatric brain tumor research.

The traditional aroma of an American cookout filled the air on a perfect Spring afternoon as runners, volunteers and a walking, talking pizza slice gathered to support the cause.

The Caps 4 Sam charity and the Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago coordinated the first annual Walk 4 Wisdom and Run 4 Research, a 5K run and 3K walk to raise money for the charity.

In January 2005, DeKalb resident Sam Ihm was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Later that month, Sam underwent successful surgery to remove the tumor. Sam’s family founded the Caps 4 Sam charity as a way to help other children with brain tumors.

The event opened with a few remarks from Dr. Arthur DiPatri, Sam’s neurosurgeon.

“I was the one who had to tell the family about Sam’s tumor. I’m glad the family pulled this together and thought of others,â€? DiPatri said.

According to event coordinator Mary Overbey, about 93 runners and 120 walkers participated.

“We had participants ranging from 2 months to 79 years old,â€? Overbey said.

Participants and those in attendance were treated to plenty of food, a clown, the aforementioned walking piece of pizza and the sounds of the blues band Johnny and the Boomers. Those in attendance were also able to sign and color a large sheet of paper to be sent to children at the Children’s Memorial Hospital.

Residents from many different towns showed up to run and support the cause. LaGrange resident Andy Samuelson, 22, said he showed up to run and support the charity.

“If you’re going to run a race, you might as well run for a good cause,â€? Samuelson said.

Dr. David Phillips, a pediatrician at the DeKalb Clinic and one of Sam’s doctors, ran in the 5K run to show his support. “There were a lot more people than I expected,â€? Phillips said. “I’m pleased with the turnout.â€?

Robyn Bendle, 23, a Darien resident, was glad to participate and support Sam’s cause.

“I’m here to support Sam and his charity. I’m not normally a runner,â€? Bendle said.

Trophies were given to the overall winners in the men and women’s division, and medals were given to the first through third place runners in all divisions. The male overall winner was David Snow, a Cortland resident, with a time of 17 minutes and 38 seconds.

NIU student Callie Sears, a sophomore exercise science major, won the female overall award with a time of 23 minutes and 20 seconds. “It’s just a great cause I wanted to support,â€? Sears said. “Plus I enjoy running and it’s a nice day.â€?

Don Overbey, Sam’s grandfather and co-coordinator of the event, was pleased overall.

“It was a great turnout,â€? Overbey said. It’s very reflective of the DeKalb community. There were a lot DeKalb High School students who showed to help us out. It exceeded our expectations.â€?