On your mark, get set, GO!
Check out these family races and walks in the city and suburbs. Some have charities that they raise money for and others are just for holiday family fun.
Be sure to check their websites and register ahead of time. Most have early-bird pricing and some even fill up before the day of the race.
Water for Life 5k
Sept. 4, 2023
- Address: VitaLife, 352 W. Maple St., New Lenox
- Cost: $40
This annual 5K fun run race, “Water is Life” helps raise money for building wells in South Africa. Registration required.
Chicago Half Marathon & 5K at Jackson Park
Sept. 24, 2023
- Address: 1686 E. Hayes Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $115-plus/half marathon, 5K/$50-plus, $20-plus/kids run
To run the 5K you must be over the age of 8. To run the half marathon, you must be over the age of 14. New this year is a kids run for ages 2-12. For the 5K and half marathon you will receive a t-shirt, bib and goody bag. For the kids run, you will earn a t-shit and medal along the way.
Lawndale 5k at Lawndale Christian Fitness Center
Sept. 30, 2023
- Address: 3750 W. Ogden Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $30-plus/Adult 5K, $20-plus/Youth 5K, $5/Kids Dash
The race will begin on Ogden and Ridgeway and will have a family fest afterwards. The Adult 5K is for 18 and up and the Youth 5K is for ages 5-17.
Long Grove’s Prairie State Half Marathon, 10K & Oktoberfest 5K
Sept. 30, 2023
- Address: 343 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
- Cost: $39.99-plus
This race takes runners on a tour through the historic downtown streets & neighborhoods of Long Grove. Registration required.
Run for the Kids: Superhero Hustle at Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley
Sept. 30, 2023
- Address: 830 S. Addison Ave., Villa Park
- Cost: $30/5K and 2-mile walk, $100/team or family of 4, free/ages 3 and under and Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley clients
All abilities and skill levels are welcome in this 5k/2-Mile walk event. Your participation will help fund the therapies children need to achieve their own superhero goals. All pre-registered participants will receive a t-shirt and race day includes an after-run party, food and drinks, raffle prizes, family-friendly entertainment, live music and more.
Carrera de los Muertos in Historic Pilsen Neighborhood
Oct. 28, 2023
- Address: Historic Pilsen Neighborhood, Chicago
- Cost: $38-plus/timed, $45-plus/untimed
This annual race takes place in Chicago’s historic Pilsen neighborhood. There will be a post-race festival that includes music, dancing, food, costumes and more.
Hot Chocolate 15K/5K at Grant Park
Nov. 5, 2023
- Address: 301 S. Columbus Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $39-plus
Hot chocolate fans, this race is for you. It’s your choice to either walk two miles or run a 5K, 10K or 15K with your family. The post-run party includes a finisher mug with fondue, dip-bales and hot chocolate.
‘Go Run
Through Nov. 18, 2023
- Cost: Free
In partnership with the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Area Runners Association, get up and race with these free, timed 5K or 1-mile runs in local parks. Must register for every date you plan on attending.
Here are the following parks participating:
- Columbus Park (500 S. Central Ave., Chicago): July 15, Oct. 7
- Marquette Park (6743 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago): July 22, Oct. 14
- 63rd St. Beach Park (6300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago): Aug. 5, Sept. 16, Nov. 11
- Warren Park (6601 N. Western Ave., Chicago): Aug. 12, Sept. 2, Oct 28
- Humboldt Park (1339 Luis Munoz Marin Drive, Chicago): Aug. 19, Sept. 9, Nov. 4
- Washington Park (5531 S. King Drive, Chicago): Aug. 26
- Horner Park (2741 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago): Sept. 23, Nov. 18
- Garfield Park (300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago): Oct. 21
Lemons of Love Pink Lemonade 5K Run/Walk at the Lions Recreation Center
Oct. 1, 2023
- Address: 411 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect
- Cost: $40-plus
This annual event brings our community together to raise funds and awareness for Lemons of Love. Other activities include vendors, coloring station, raffle prizes and refreshments.
Halloween Hustle 5K and Kid’s Dash at Adrenaline Special Events
Oct. 28, 2023
- Address: 345 N. Eric Drive, Palatine
- Cost: $35-$50/5K, $15-$25/Kids Dash
All 5K participants will receive a long-sleeve dri-fit tee, race timing bib, finisher medal and free beer or soft drink at Tap House Grill. Kid’s Dash (recommended for ages 3-10) participants will receive a kids shirt, race bib, finisher medal and pumpkin. Registration required.
This post is updated regularly.
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