Is one of your resolutions or plans for 2022 to run a 5K or a marathon by the end of the year? Well, then summer is the perfect time to do so.
There are many in-person walks and runs that will help you accomplish this goal and even some virtual options, as well. Sign up for one of these races to raise money for charity or to ramp up your workout.
CAR Foundation 5K Run/Walk
June 11, 2022
- Address: Diversey Harbor, 2601 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $10-$60
This family-friendly event welcomes all skill levels to participate. You will receive a t-shirt, finisher certificate, finisher medal and healthy snacks and beverages.
Chicago Beer Mile
June 11, 2022
- Address: 721 S. Washtenaw Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $55/beer mile, $45/non-alcoholic beer mile, $35/chocolate milk mile
This event is for runners who enjoy beer (or non-alcoholic beer and chocolate milk). There will be prizes given to the top runners.
Chicago Congenital Heart Walk
June 11, 2022
- Address: Lincoln Park Rowing Lagoon, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families and friends can gather to support The Children’s Heart Foundation’s mission of funding the most promising congenital heart defect research. The event includes family-friendly activities, entertainment, music, games, refreshments and more.
Ice Cream Chase 5K
June 11, 2022
- Address: Bunker Hill, W. Harts Road, Chicago
- Cost: $25-$30
This year’s theme of the race is “Ube Ice Cream.” Enjoy running a cross country 5K at Bunker Hill. Registration required.
2022 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk
June 12, 2022
- Address: Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich
- Cost: $35/adult, $30/first responders and military, $20/children ages 13-17, $15/children ages 12 and under
This race was born from the tragedy of 9/11 and is done all over the United States. It is to honor first responders, remember 9/11 and raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers programs. You may run or walk the 5K. Registration required.
2022 ABC7 Gibbons 5K Run and 3K Walk
June 16, 2022
- Address: Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- Cost: $25 (must either raise it or pay it yourself to register)
Back for its 28th year, this race brings more than a thousand people to Chicago’s lakefront to run, walk, and raise funds in search of a cure for all blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes. The event consists of a chip-timed 5K run and a 3K walk, followed by a party in Grant Park with music, food, refreshments and partner tents. Registration required.
Girl Scout Community Walk in Bronzeville
June 18, 2022
- Address: Chicago Public Library, King Branch, 3436 S. King Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $5/person
Join Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana on the Chicago Neighborhood Walk of Bronzeville in celebration of Juneteenth. Walk along the Bronzeville Hall of Fame, take a few selfies as you pose in front of the many beautiful murals and landmarks and enjoy some soul food and a sweet treat along your route. Anyone who registers in advance will receive the Chicago Neighborhood Walk: Bronzeville patch.
Garfield Ridge Stars and Stripes 5K Run
July 2, 2022
- Address: 5625 S. Narragansett Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $35/adult 5K, $25/youth 5K
The Garfield Ridge Stars and Stripes 5K Run was established to honor First Responders and Military. This year we will honor fallen Chicago police Commander Paul R. Bauer.
Bubble Run
July 9, 2022
- Address: Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $20-plus/person
Enjoy a Bubble Run that last for five kilometers (3.1 miles). You can walk, run, dance or push a stroller through the bubble fun. Registration required and includes a t-shirt, medal, bib number, temporary tattoo and entry into the bubble celebration after the race.
Margarita Mayhem 5K
July 9, 2022
- Address: Busse Forest-South, E. Higgins Road, Elk Grove Village
- Cost: $39.99-plus/Live Margarita 5K, $12/Drink while they run
You can run or walk the Margarita Run that takes place through Busse Forest. There will be a DJ, food truck, limbo contest, giant yard games and of course, margaritas at this event.
2022 Western Suburbs Lupus Walk
Aug. 13, 2022
- Address: Naperville Riverwalk, 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Ct., Naperville
- Cost: $25/adult registration prior to event $30/adult registration day of, $10/children 12 and under
Lupus survivors, their families, friends and hundreds of supporters of people living with lupus are invited to join a fun, family-friendly one-mile or three-mile walk/run. Participants can walk as individuals or as part of a team. Event activities include music, face painting, games and raffle prizes.
Mujeres On The Run 5k Walk/ Run
Aug. 13, 2022
- Address: Lincoln Park Chicago, Chicago
- Cost: $40-$60/person (not including fees)
This 5K race empowers and celebrates women in the community, but it is open to everyone regardless of gender. The funding from this event will support programs at Centro Romero including leadership, civic participation, domestic violence prevention, English and GED classes, immigration services and after school programs.
Stan’s Donut 5K and Kid’s Dash
Aug. 27, 2022
- Address: Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $44.99-plus/5K, $20-plus/Kids Dash
Enjoy donuts throughout the course and at the finish line while knowing that your participation helped the fight against hunger in Chicago. All 5K participants will receive a dri-fit shirt, a donut-shaped 5K finisher medal, a Stan’s Donut and two donut stations along the course with mini donuts. All Kids Dash participants will receive a dri-fit shirt, a donut-shaped 5K finisher medal and a Stan’s Donut at the Finisher Line. Stroller-friendly event. Registration required.
Run Mag Mile
Sept. 10, 2022
- Address: Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- Cost: $44-plus/5K, $64-plus/10K
Run either a 5K or 10K distance through Grant Park. Great for beginners and advanced runners. Swag bag includes quarter zip hoodie and finisher medal. 21 and older participants will receive either a free beer or can of Mule 2.0. Registration required.
This story is updated regularly.
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