Chicago’s race season offers so many options for your entire family! When there’s a good cause involved, it seems like a great opportunity to get your little ones moving.
Some local races even feature great options for families like a kid run or fun activities. Also, if you prefer to run around your neighborhood, there are virtual options available, too. We’ve rounded up the best races and walks for Chicago kids.
City
Race to Wrigley at Wrigley Field
Sept. 24, 2022
- Address: 1060 W. Addison St., Chicago
- Cost: $ 44/5K run/walk adult, $25/5K run/walk ages 12 and under
Participate in the 17th Annual Race to Wrigley Field. The first 5,000 to register will receive a ticket to Sept. 27 game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Chicago Half Marathon & 5K at Jackson Park
Sept. 25, 2022
- Address: 1686 E. Hayes Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $95-$150/half marathon, 5K/$40-$50
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. You will receive a t-shirt, bib and goody bag.
Lawndale 5k at Lawndale Christian Fitness Center
Oct. 1, 2022
- Address: 3750 W. Ogden Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $33/Adult 5K, $23/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.
31st Annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago at Soldier Field
Oct. 2, 2022
- Address: 1410 Special Olympics Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $30/5K walk/roll, $40/5K run or 10K run, $10/stay-at-home supporter
Join the 31st annual AIDS Run & Walk in Chicago to help raise awareness and funds for individuals who are living with or vulnerable to HIV/AIDS across Chicagoland. The theme this year is “Forward Together,” and it aims to look beyond our current state and focus on what we can do to create a better future for people living with HIV and AIDS. You can join the event in-person or at home and at your own pace.
9th Annual Head for the Cure 5K – Chicago
Oct. 2, 2022
- Address: 2601 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $37/5K, $25/Kid’s Fun Run, $32/Virtual Registration
All ages and paces can enjoy a race at Diversey Harbor in Lincoln (Abraham) Park. The Plymouth Rock Ramble is for ages 2-12. Post-race activities include corn hole, football toss, a photobooth and more while sipping on warm apple cider.
RBC Race for the Kids Chicago at Hyde Park
Oct. 16, 2022
- Address: Hyde Park, Chicago
- Cost: $45/5K run/walk, $20/Kids Dash or Kids Mile
Families can enjoy a 5K Run/Walk, Kids’ Mile, and Kids’ Dash, which supports groundbreaking pediatric research at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital.
Walk for Wishes 2022
Oct. 16, 2022
- Address: Various locations in Illinois
- Cost: Free/registration; Raise $100 for a t-shirt, Raise $500 for a crewneck sweatshirt
Join Make-A-Wish Illinois for Walk for Wishes in Chicago and Elk Grove Village or join virtually and walk in your own neighborhood. This is a family-friendly event powered by wish families, volunteers, companies, donors and friends.
2022 Rise to Shine Run 10K/5K/1M Run & Walk at Illinois Medical District at Wood and Hastings Streets
Oct. 23, 2022
- Address: 1310 S. Wood St., Chicago
- Cost: $55/10K, $45/5K, $15/Inclusive Kids Dash
This 10K/5K has options for runners with visual, hearing, and physical disabilities. The 10K race is open to runners only. There will be an inclusive Kids Dash, too.
Carrera de los Muertos in Historic Pilsen Neighborhood
Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: Historic Pilsen Neighborhood, Chicago
- Cost: $40-$50
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. 6, 2022
- 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. 19, 2022
- 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:
- Horner Park (2741 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago): Sept. 24, Nov. 19
- Columbus Park (500 S. Central Ave., Chicago): Oct. 1
- Marquette Park (6743 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago): Oct. 8
- Warren Park (6601 N. Western Ave., Chicago): Sept. 3, Oct. 22
- Humboldt Park (1339 Luis Munoz Marin Drive, Chicago): Sept. 10, Nov. 5
- Jackson Park (1686 E. Hayes Drive, Chicago): Sept. 17, Nov. 12
- Garfield Park (300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago): Oct. 15
Turkey Trot Chicago 5K & 8K and Plymouth Rock Ramble at Diversey Harbor
Nov. 24, 2022
- Address: 2601 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $50/8K, $45/5K, $15/Plymouth Rock Ramble
All ages and paces can enjoy a race at Diversey Harbor in Lincoln (Abraham) Park. The Plymouth Rock Ramble is for ages 2-12. Post-race activities include corn hole, football toss, a photobooth and more while sipping on warm apple cider.
Grant Park Turkey Trot at Arvey Field in Grant Park
Nov. 26, 2022
- Address: 1501 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $36.99-plus
Run or walk the 12th annual Grant Park Turkey Trot and enjoy Do-Rite Donuts at the finish line. Runners will receive event gear and a medal.
North/Northwestern Suburbs
Long Grove’s Prairie State Half Marathon, 10K & Oktoberfest 5K
Oct. 1, 2022
- 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.
AutoNation Presents: Lemons of Love Pink Lemonade 5K Run/Walk at the Lions Recreation Center
Oct. 2, 2022
- 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 vendor giveaways, coloring station, raffle prizes and refreshments.
Halloween Hustle 5K and Kid’s Dash at Adrenaline Special Events
Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: 345 N. Eric Drive, Palatine
- Cost: $35-$50/5K, $15-$20/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.
Western Suburbs
Barkapalooza 5k Run at Lisle Community Park
Sept. 25, 2022
- Address: 1825 Short St., Lisle
- Cost: $40/5K Run and Rescue Fest Entry, $20/One-Mile Walk or Rescue Fest Family Entry Only
The race will raise awareness and funds for homeless animals. It will also be a day filled with fun, food, games and live entertainment.
Gourdy’s Pumpkin Run at Keller’s Farmstand
Oct. 1, 2022
- Address: 2500 Johnson Road, Oswego
- Cost: $44-$49
Registration to this 5K includes a lightweight tech hoodie, finisher’s medal, commemorative bib, entry to the farm all day, small pumpkin, apple cider and more. You can add on the “Tough Pumpkin Challenge” to the race, where the runner picks a pumpkin and runs with it.
Run for the Kids: Superhero Hustle at Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley
Oct. 1, 2022
- Address: 830 S. Addison Ave., Villa Park
- Cost: $30/advanced registration and virtual registration, $35/day-of registration, free/Easternseals clients, toddlers and infants
All abilities and skill levels are welcome in this 5k/2-Mile walk event. Wear your capes and costumes as you walk through residential Villa Park along the Prairie Path. All pre-registered participants will receive a t-shirt. Race day includes an after-run party, raffle prizes, food, refreshments, family-friendly entertainment, live music and more.
2022 Geneva Ooh LaLa Chocolate Half Marathon 10K and 5K at Kane County Court House
Nov. 6, 2022
- Address: 100 S. 3rd St., Geneva
- Cost: $100/half marathon, $65/10K, $55/5K
All participants will receive their choice of a hoodie, finisher medal and the All Chocolate Kitchen chocolate experience. Registration required.
