Are you looking for a way this year to achieve fitness goals and support a worthy cause for you and your family? Look no further than Suburban Family’s 2021 Annual Race Guide. It’s so much easier to get in shape when you have a fitness event scheduled. Just sign up for a race, pay the participation fee, put the event on your calendar…and begin your exercise routine.
An important note: Due to Covid-19, many long-standing races have been cancelled, rescheduled, postponed or moved to virtual participation. As of this issue’s printing, there are some races that have expressed an intent to run, but have not yet finalized event details. We’ve identified these races with a TBD (To Be Determined). Be sure to check the official race website for the most up-to-date race information. Also, Suburban Family will continue to update races with each issue.
Have a great and safe race season!
MARCH
VIRTUAL and TBD (to be determined) Races …
- VIRTUAL Hatch Out 5K (3/26-4/4). Downers Grove Park District. bit.ly/2YCIjLI
- VIRTUAL St. Paddy’s Day 5K Run/Walk. (3/1-31) Naperville. stpaddysday5k.org
- VIRTUAL Oak Forest Fleadh 5K Run/Walk. (3/6-17) Oak Forest. oak-forest.org
- VIRTUAL St. Paddy’s Day 5K. Naperville. (3/1-31) stpaddysday5k.org
- VIRTUAL Shamrock Beer Run 5K Novelty Run/Walk. Chicago. shamrockbeerrun.com
- VIRTUAL Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. (3/19 – 21) Chicago. shamrockshuffle.com
- TBD Fight for Air Climbing Outdoors. Chicago. Action.lung.org
SUNDAY, MARCH 7
- Running o’ the Green 8K Run. Tinley Park. tinleyparkdistrict.org
- The CORE Indoor Triathlon Swim, Bike and Run. Lemont. lemontparks.org
SATURDAY, MARCH 13
- Shamrock Shuffle 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Dash. McHenry. mchenrykiwanis.org
- St. Paddy’s Day 5K and 8K Run/Walk. Chicago. chicagoevents.com
- The Universal Sole Spring “No Frills” Trail Challenge. Palos. universalsole.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 14
- Pi Day “Pi K” Fun Run/Walk. Chicago. chicagoevents.com
- March Madness Half Marathon. Cary. hillstriders.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 20
- St. Paddy’s Day 5K, 10K. Deer Park. allcommunityevents.com/deerparkstpaddysrun
SUNDAY, MARCH 21
- St. Paddy’s Day 5K, 10K. Deer Park. allcommunityevents.com/deerparkstpaddysrun
SATURDAY, MARCH 27
- Chicago Lakefront 50K George Cheung Memorial Race. Chicago. chicagoultra.org
APRIL
VIRTUAL and TBD (to be determined) Races …
- VIRTUAL Run, Walk and Roll 5K/1mile. Bloomingdale. marklund.org/series/5kbloomingdale (4/15 – 18)
- VIRTUAL McHenry County Human Race 5K Run/Walk and Toddler Race. Crystal Lake. volunteercentermchenrycounty.org (4//21 – 5/9)
- TBD Huskies Heroes Run/Walk. Arlington Heights. herseydeafalumni.org
- TBD Brookfield Zoo Run. Czs.org
SATURDAY, APRIL 3
- Chi Town Half Marathon and 10K Run. Chicago. halfmarathons.net
- Chocolate Chase Rabbit Race. Palos Heights. palosheightsrec.org
- Two Brothers Brew Trot 1.5 Mile Fun Run. Warrenville. warrenvilleparks.org
- Fast Cat 5K/10K and 1 mile Kids Run. Plainfield. runfastcat.com
SATURDAY, APRIL 17
Fight Hunger 5K/10K Run/Walk. Virtual and Limited In-Person Event. Sat., April 17 at 9AM. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. Benefitting Northern IL. Food Bank. www.SolveHungerToday.org/FightHunger
LEARN MORE
- Fight Hunger 5K/10K Run/Walk
- Virtual and Limited In-Person Event
- Saturday April 17 at 9AM
- Cantigny Park, Wheaton
- Benefitting Northern IL. Food Bank. www.SolveHungerToday.org/FightHunger
- Spring Chance BQ.2 Boston Marathon Qualifier. Geneva. bq2races.com
- Earth Day 50K, 15-Mile and 5-Mile Run. Crystal Lake. earthdaytrailrace.com
- Champion of Trees 10K Run. Lisle.mortonarb.org/events/champion-trees-10k-run
- Running with Friends 5K. New Lenox. newlenoxparks.org
- VIRTUAL Sly Fox Half Marathon and 10K Run. St. Charles. slyfoxhalf.com
- VIRTUAL Batavia Mothers’ Club Fox Trot 5K and 10K Run. Batavia. bataviamothersclub.org
SUNDAY, APRIL 18
- Spring Chance BQ.2 Boston Marathon Qualifier. Geneva. bq2races.com
- Women’s Half Marathon and 5K. Naperville. napervillewomenshalf.events.com
- Champion of Trees 10K Run. Lisle.mortonarb.org/events/champion-trees-10k-run
SATURDAY, APRIL 24
- Saw Wee Kee Spring Trail Run. Oswego. oswegolandparkdistrict.org
- ABC/25 Get Burbed Challenge 5K. Arlington Heights. abc25challenge.org
SUNDAY, APRIL 25
13th Annual Walk the Walk for Mental Health. Visit our website for more info and race details! Benefits access to mental health services in our community! The Community House. 415 W. 8th St., Hinsdale www.thecommunityhouse.org
LEARN MORE
- March for Babies 3-Mile Walk. St. Charles + Arlington Hts., Chicago, Woodstock, South Suburbs marchforbabies.org
- Stepping up to Wellness 5K Run and 1-Mile Run/Walk. Libertyville. cancerwellness.org
MAY
VIRTUAL and TBD (to be determined) Races …
- VIRTUAL Walk MS 1- and 3-Mile Walk. Multiple suburbs and Chicago. nationalmssociety.org
- VIRTUAL Run for 102 5K & 1 Mile Run Run. LaGrange Park. timetoruntiming.com (5/9-15)
- VIRTUAL BT5K Your Way. Livestream. abta.org/get-involved/bt5k/ (5/8-22)
- VIRTUAL A Safe Place EmpoweRun 5K Run/Walk. Libertyville. asafeplaceforhelp.org
- TBD March for Babies 3-Mile Walk. Arlington Heights. marchforbabies.org
- TBD Night Nation 5K Novelty Run. Chicago. nightnationrun.com
- TBD Autism Speaks 3-Mile Walk. Chicago + North Shore. autismspeaks.org
- TBD BAPA Ridge Run 5K/10K Run. Chicago. bapa.org
- TBD Chicago Promise Walk 5K Run/Walk. Elk Grove Village. promisewalk.org
- TBD Daisy Dash 5k & Kids Fun Run. Clarendon Hills. Daisydash.com
- TBD Chicago Promise Walk 5K Run/Walk. Elk Grove Village. promisewalk.org
SATURDAY, MAY 1
- Highlander Assault 4, 8, 12 and 24-Mile Obstacle Course Races. Holiday Hills. highlanderassault.com
SUNDAY, MAY 2
Walk for Wellness House – 1 Mile Walk. Multiple Locations and Times In DuPage & Cook. Sun., 5/2/21. Benefitting Programs for People Affected by Cancer. 630-654-5191. www.walk.wellnesshouse.org
LEARN MORE
- Techno Trot 5k Run/Walk And ½ Mile Kids’ Race. Winthrop Harbor. whsd1.org
- Great Western Half Marathon. St. Charles. foxrivertrailrunners.org
- Run to Remember 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Run. Chicago. cpdmemorial.org
- VIRTUAL Walk MS 1- and 3-Mile Walk. Multiple suburbs and Chicago. nationalmssociety.org
- TBD A Safe Place EmpoweRun 5K Run/Walk. Libertyville. asafeplaceforhelp.org
SATURDAY, MAY 8
Lemont Quarryman Challenge – 5K and 10-Mile Race. Sat., 5/8. CARA Certified. Race starts and finishes in Historic Downtown Lemont and winds through the hilly neighborhoods of Lemont. www.quarrymanchallenge.com. DO THE Q
LEARN MORE
- Pink 5K Run/Walk. Oak Brook. obparks.org/pink5k
- Starved Rock Country Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K. Ottawa.starvedrockcountrymarathon.org
SUNDAY, MAY 9
- VIRTUAL Mother’s Day 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Run. Barrington. allcommunityevents.com/mothersday5k
SATURDAY, MAY 15
- G.L.O.W. 5K Run. Naperville. naperglow5k.com
- Lilac Mutt Strut 5K. Lombard. lombardlilactime.com
- Walk to Cure Arthritis. Chicago + Libertyville. walktocurearthritis.org
- USole Four Mile Classic Run/Walk. Chicago. universalsole.com
- VIRTUAL Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Great Strides 5K Walk. Chicagoland. fightcf.cff.org
SUNDAY, MAY 16
- Walk to Cure Arthritis. Chicago. walktocurearthritis.org
- Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run. Northbrook.lewblondrun.org
THURSDAY, MAY 20
- She Runs the Fox. Batavia. foxrivertrailrunners.org
SATURDAY, MAY 22
- Spring Trail Chase 5K at The Forge. Lemont. thedriven.net/cara.race_reg/eid/39219025678?
- Walk and 5K Run to Help Children with Dyslexia. Bloomingdale. runfordyslexiachicago.org
- Got2Run for Education 8K and 2.62-Mile Run/Walk. Arlington Heights. got2run.org
SUNDAY, MAY 23
- Spring Trail Chase 5K at The Forge. Lemont. thedriven.net/cara.race_reg/eid/39219025678?
- Byline Bank Chicago Spring Half Marathon, 10k and Junior Dash. Chicago. chicagospringhalf.com
- Chicagoland Spring Marathon and Half Marathon. Schaumburg. allcommunityevents.com
SUNDAY, MAY 30
- Race to the Flag 5k Run/Walk. Westmont. RacetotheFlag.org
- TBD Chicago Promise Walk 5K Run/Walk. Elk Grove Village. promisewalk.org
JUNE
VIRTUAL and TBD (to be determined) Races …
- VIRTUAL ABC7 Gibbons 5K Run/3K Walk. Chicago. gibbons5k.com (6/17-20)
- TBD Walk and Roll 5K Run/Walk, 10K Skate, 15K Bike and Kids’ Dash. Chicago. walkrollchicago.org
- TBD Run for the Zoo. Lincoln Park, Chicago.lpzoo.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 5
- Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals. Wheaton. wheatonparkdistrict.com
- Cori’s Kids Triathlon Swim, Bike and Run. Oak Brook. obparks.org
- VIRTUAL Chicago Mini-Walk to Defeat ALS. Chicagoland. web.alsa.org/chicagowalk
SUNDAY, JUNE 6
- Take Steps Chicago Walk. Chicago. crohnscolitisfoundation.org
- Lake Geneva Wine Run 5K. Lake Geneva, WI.winerun5k.com/events/lake-geneva-wine-run-5k
FRIDAY, JUNE 11
- The LeaderShop’s LaGrange Rocks 5K Run/Walk. LaGrange. theleadershop.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 12
- Take Steps Walk. Naperville. crohnscolitisfoundation.org
SUNDAY, JUNE 13
- Naperville 10K. Naperville. Naperville10k.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 26
- Run Your Mutt Off 5K. Warrenville. naperhumane.org
- Bike MS: Tour de Farms 1-day event with multiple route options. St. Charles. nationalmssociety.org
- VIRTUAL PurpleStride 5K Run/Walk. Chicago. purplestride.org
JULY
VIRTUAL and TBD (to be determined) Races …
- VIRTUAL Sundowner 5K Run, Splash Dash, and Kids’ Races. (July 1-15) Joliet. jpdrun3.com
- VIRTUAL Run/Walk to End Homelessness 5K and Kid’s Fun Run. Chicago. asafehaven.org (7/17-25)
- VIRTUAL (July 31-Aug. 2) CowaLUNGa Bike Ride. resphealth.org
- TBD Freedom Four 4-Mile Run. Glen Ellyn Park District. gepark.org
- TBD Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th 4-Mile Run. Elmhurst. 4on4th.com
- TBD Christmas in June 5K Run/Walk, Kids’ Run. Lisle. runners4wellness.com
SUNDAY, JULY 11
- ET Lake Zurich Triathlon Olympic and Sprint Swim, Bike and Run. Lake Zurich. lakezurichtri.com
SATURDAY, JULY 17
- Wauconda Park District Kids’ Triathlon. Wauconda. waucondaparks.org
SUNDAY, JULY 18
- Wauconda Park District Adult Olympic and Sprint Triathlon. Wauconda. waucondaparks.org
SUNDAY, JULY 25
- Glenview Park Center Sprint Triathlon and Aqua Bike Race. Glenview. glenviewparks.org
AUGUST
VIRTUAL and TBD (to be determined) Races …
- TBD Woodridge Rotary Mini Triathlon and Kids’ Triathlon. Woodridge. woodridgerotary.org
- TBD TCX Palos Adventure Race. Willow Springs. transconx.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 1
- Naperville Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon, Aqua Bike, and Kids’ Triathlon. Naperville. napervilletri.events
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14
- Tough Mudder Obstacle Mud Race. 2-Day Event. Rockford. toughmudder.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 15
- Tough Mudder Obstacle Mud Race. 2-Day Event. Rockford. toughmudder.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21
- Rugged Maniac 5K Obstacle Race. Wilmot, WI. ruggedmaniac.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 22
- Fort2Base 11.5- and 3.45-mile Run. North Chicago. fort2base.com
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28
- BBQ Bolt- 5K/1M. Downers Grove. bbqbolt.org
- Chicago Triathlon Sprint and Kids’ Triathlon. 2-Day Event. Chicago. chicagotriathlon.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 29
- Harmon Hundred 25, 50, 75 100-Mile Bike Rides. Wilmot, WI. wheelmen.com
SEPTEMBER
VIRTUAL and TBD (to be determined) Races …
- VIRTUAL BT5K Your Way. Livestream. abta.org/get-involved/bt5k/ (9/11-25)
- TBD Swedish Days Ride. Maple Park. fvbsc.org
- TBD North Shore Walk for Autism Speaks. act.autismspeaks.org
- TBD MB Bike the Drive Up to 30-Mile Ride. Chicago. bikethedrive.org
- TBD Itasca Oktoberfast 5K Run. Itasca. itascaoktoberfast5k.org
- TBD Here for LIFE Walk. Saint Charles. spsamerica.org
- TBD North Shore Triathlon. Wilmette. trinorthshore.com
- TBD SEABlue Walk/Run.Chicago.ustoo.org
- TBD North Shore Century. Evanston. northshorecentury.org
- TBD Barkapalooza Dog Walkathon. Lisle. Wshs-dg.org
- TBD Red Eye 5K Run. Joliet. jpdrun3.com
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
- Prairiefest 5K and 1 Mi. Prairie Dog Jog. Oswego. oswegolandparkdistrict.org
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
- Last Chance BQ.2 Boston Marathon Qualifier. Geneva. bq2races.com
- Chi Town Half Marathon and 10K. Chicago. allcommunityevents.com/chitownhalfmarathon10k
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Western Springs 44th Annual Tower Trot. Sat. 9/18 8:30 a.m. 10K, 5K, & Fun Run, plus Double Run (10K & 5K). Benefits Healing Hearts for Ashley. Grand Avenue Community Center, 4211 Grand Avenue, Western Springs. 708-246-9070. www.wsprings.com/towertrot
LEARN MORE
- Walk to End Alzheimer’s 5K Run/Walk. Rockford and St. Charles. act.alz.org
- Walk to End Alzheimer’s 5K Run/Walk. St. Charles. act.alz.org
- 4th Annual CrossTrail Classic 5K. Bolingbrook. bolingbrookparks.org
- Fox Valley Kids’ Marathon 1.2-Mile Race. St. Charles. fvkids26.com
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
- Walk to End Alzheimer’s 5K Run/Walk. Naperville. act.alz.org
- Fox Valley Marathon, Half Marathon and 20-Mile Race. St. Charles. fv26.com
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
- Race Judicata 5K Run/walk. Chicago. cvls.org/judicata
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
- Walk to End Alzheimer’s 5K. Joliet. act.alz.org
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
- Oui Run 5K. Chicago. Ouirun5k.org
- Walk to End Alzheimer’s 5K. Glenview. act.alz.org
- DeKalb Corn Classic 10K and 5K Race. DeKalb. dekalbcornclassic.org
- Kids’ Triathlon. Oswego. oswegolandparkdistrict.org
- VIRTUAL Tour de Cure Ride. Chicagoland with multiple route options. Aurora. tour.diabetes.org
OCTOBER
VIRTUAL and TBD (to be determined) Races …
- TBD RUN4PAWS 5K & 2K Puppy Path. Downers Grove. Run4paws.com
- TBD Let’s Move Elgin 10K/5K Run and Kids’ Race. Elgin. letsmoveelgin.com
- TBD Walk to End Alzheimer’s 5K Run/Walk. Chicago. act.alz.org
- TBD International Chicago 5K Run. Chicago. chicago5k.com
- TBD Superhero 5K Pumpkin Run/Walk. Highwood. Celebratehighwood.org
- TBD Race for the Kids 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Dash. Chicago. rbcraceforthekids.com
- TBD Halloween 5K Run/Walk. Palos Hills. morainevalley.edu/fitrec
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2
Montgomery 5K and 10K River Run. Sat., 10/2 – Pre-Race. Registration Starts 7:30 AM. Race Starts at 9 AM. Portion of Proceeds to Montgomery VFW Post #7452, Montgomery Foundation and Rotary Club. Village of Montgomery, 200 North River Street. 630-466-6700. www.raceroster.com/events/2021/40232/montgomery-river-run
LEARN MORE
- Walk to End Alzheimer’s 5K Fundraising Run/Walk. Elk Grove act.alz.org
- NAMI Run for Mental Health 5K Run/Walk. Evanston. namiwalks.org
- Chicago 10K Run. Chicago. runmfg.com
- Light the Torch Night Run 5K. Wheaton. wheatonparkdistrict.com
- Hops for Hope 5K Beer Run/Walk. St. Charles. Hopsforhope5K.com
- Prairie State Half Marathon. Long Grove. allcommunityevents.com/prairiestatehalfmarathon
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3
Rotary Run Charity Classic. Hinsdale’s 27th Annual Fun Family Race. A Run for Health. Sun. 10/3 at 8AM at The Community House, 8th and Madison, Hinsdale. 3K, 5K, and 10K Run / 3K and 5K Walk, Walk ‘N Roll & Mutt Strut. CARA certified. Benefits local and global charities. www.rotaryruncharityclassic.com
LEARN MORE
- Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk. Lake Zurich. tunnel2towers.org
- Brain Up 5K Walk/Run. Frankfort. brainup.ngo
- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk of DuPage. Wheaton. secure.acsevents.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9
- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk of Fox Valley. St. Charles. acsevents.org
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10
- Bank of America Marathon. Chicago. chicagomarathon.com
- World’s Largest Corn Maze 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Dash. Spring Grove. allcommunityevents.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16
- Light the Night Walk. Oak Brook. lightthenight.org
- Scarecrow Scramble Nighttime 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Race. Lisle. lislepartnersforparks.org
- Country Soul Half Marathon and 10K. Chicago. allcommunityevents.com/countrysolerun
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17
- Run with the Nuns 5K Run/Walk. Lemont. runwiththenuns.org
- Healthy Driven Naperville Half Marathon and 5K Run. Naperville. runnaperville.com
- JJC Foundation 5K Run and Walk. Joliet. Runsignup.com
- Light the Night Walk. Glenview. lightthenight.org
- VIRTUAL Walk for Wishes. illinois.wish.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23
- Komen Race for the Cure 5K Run/Walk. Chicago. komen.org
- Forte 5K. Channahon. Forte5k.com
- Light the Night Walk. Chicago. lightthenight.org
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24
- Healthy Driven FraidyCat 5k, Ghost 8K & Meow Mile. Oswego. fraidycat5k.com
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31
- Sycamore Pumpkin Run 10K Road Race Sycamore. pumpkinrunsycamore.com
- Hot Cider Hustle 8 mi. and 5K. Wheaton.allcommunityevents.com/hotciderhustle
- Haunted Oak 5K. Homer Glen. hauntedoak5k.com
NOVEMBER
VIRTUAL and TBD (to be determined) Races …
- TBD Turkey Tango Trot 5k. Roselle.roselle5K.com
- TBD Turkey Trot 5K and 8K Walk/Run Series. Tinley Park. tinleyparkdistrict.org
- TBD Gobbler Hobbler 10K and Mashed Potato Mile. Oswego. oswegolandparkdistrict.org
- TBD Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run. Wheaton. arthritis.org
- TBD North Shore Turkey Trot 10K and 5K Run. Highland Park. northshoreturkeytrot.com
- TBD Fox and The Turkey. Batavia foxrivertrailrunners.org
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6
- Cantigny 5K. Wheaton.Cantigny.org
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13
- TBD Hot Cider Hustle 8K. Chicago. allcommunityevents.com
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21
- Lincolnwood’s 45th Annual Turkey Trot. Lincolnwood. lincolnwoodil.org
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25
24th Annual Naperville Noon Lions 5K Turkey Trot. Thurs. 11/25 Thanksgiving Morning. Proceeds benefits individuals with Vision and hearing disabilities. Naperville Central High School, 440 Aurora Ave., Naperville (If allowed, otherwise Virtual). www.napervilleturkeytrot.com
LEARN MORE
- Beat the Bird 5K. Fullersberg Woods, Oakbrook. endureitsports.com
DECEMBER
VIRTUAL and TBD (to be determined) Races …
- TBD Arlington Heights Rotary Club Santa Run. Arlington Heights. Rotarysantarun.org
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4
- Reindeer Run 5K. Wheaton. wheatonparkdistrict.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11
- Deer Park Cocoa Classic 5K. Deer Park.allcommunityevents.com/cocoaclassic
- Viking Dash Trail Run. 2-Day Event. Crystal Lake. vikingdashtrailrun.com
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