Committee backs Caryell Junior High 5K on public roads; school to use marshals and volunteers

The Community Development Committee recommended approval of a special event permit for Carriell Junior High School to hold a 5K for eighth-grade students on Oct. 21, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., with an estimated 250 student participants. Greg Anderson explained the event is a fitness requirement and that the school submitted a traffic and safety plan showing a measured 5K route that runs on sidewalks and, where necessary, short roadway segments monitored by marshals and volunteers. The plan includes marked cones, signs, volunteer marshals at key intersections, a hydration station on course and water at the finish. The school nurse and EMS have been notified, Anderson said, and O’Fallon Public Safety retains the right to suspend the event for inclement weather. Committee members asked whether the fitness requirement was new and whether the run had previously taken place on the school track. Committee members and a former Carriell family member recalled the school used to hold a run on the track. A public commenter asked whether neighbors along the route would be notified; staff said moving road-closure-style measures are coordinated with Public Safety, and the school does not typically mail letters, though route notifications are handled via department coordination. The committee approved the advisory recommendation by roll call (Rosenberg, Parchment, Mylart, Campbell, Lotz and Roach voting yes). The recommendation will be forwarded to the full City Council for final approval.