What better way to build community, support local and national charities, and encourage active lifestyles for your family than participating in upcoming fun runs or 5Ks? There are several opportunities to join in on trail runs, a 2K, or a full 5K. No fear if running isn’t for you. Walking, jogging, and stroller pushing is encouraged at several runs included on our list.
You could also join in on the fun and dress up for themed races, make signs to cheer on your friends and neighbors along the way, or partake in the post race festivities with live music and prizes. Cross the finish line as a family of change-makers, empowered to take on the next race ahead. Meet us at the starting line!
This article is sponsored by the Glen Ellyn Park District.
Glen Ellyn Park District 2K Glow Run/Walk
Glen Ellyn Park District 2K Glow Run/Walk
April 20, 2024 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
On your mark, get set, glow! The Glen Ellyn Park District’s 2K Glow Run/Walk returns to Ackerman Park (800 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn) on Saturday, April 20, from 7-9 pm. This 1.25-mile nighttime fun run/walk features black lights, bubble stations, color stations, and glow parties with a DJ before and after the race. Pre-race activities start at 7 pm, and the first wave of runners will take off at 7:45 pm.
The registration fee includes entry into the race, a t-shirt, glow sticks, and access to the pre/post-race activities. This event is open to all ages, and registration is required. Sign up by April 1 to get the early bird price of $25 for residents or $37 for non-residents. Regular registration closes on April 16. Visit gepark.org/register.
April 2024 Races and Fun Runs
Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2024
various start dates
Five-race series with events of different lengths for 2-year-olds through 8th graders.
Superhero 3K Fun Run (Sensory Garden Playground, Lisle)
April 6, 2024 | 8:30am – 10:30am
Benefits Play for All Playground and Garden Foundation.
Mt. Melas Adventure Run (Mount Prospect)
April 13, 2024 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Participate individually or as a team.
Mustang Trot 5K Run/Walk (Downers Grove South High School)
April 14, 2024 | 9:00am
Benefits Blessings in a Backpack.
Chicken Run 5k, 10k, and Lil Peeps Kids’ Run (Batavia)
April 20, 2024 | 7:30am – 10:30am
Register in advance.
Walk for Autism (Arlington Heights)
April 20, 2024 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
1.25-mile family-friendly walk.
2K Glow Run and Walk (Glen Ellyn)
April 20, 2024 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
1.25-mile fun run featuring glow items and a DJ.
Earth Day Run (Brookfield)
April 21, 2024 | 8:00am – 11:00am
Visit the Brookfield Zoo for a 2.2 mile family fun-run.
Run, Walk and Roll 5k and 1-Mile (Bloomingdale)
April 21, 2024 | 8:30am
Benefits care and services provided at Marklund.
Color Run (Clarendon Hills)
April 26, 2024 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Inaugural color run at Prospect Park. Register in advance.
Color Run, Walk and Roll (Franklin Park)
April 28, 2024 | 9:00am – 11:00am
2-mile course featuring various activities along the way.
Good Life Race (Oak Park River Forest High School)
April 28, 2024 | 8:30am
5k, Youth Mile, and Junior Dash. Benefits Housing Forward.
May 2024 Races and Fun Runs
Cinco de Mayo Color Crawl (West Chicago)
May 3, 2024 | 6:00pm
Two-mile walk and run through Kress Creek Farms Park.
Stars and Spikes 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run (Madison Elementary, Lombard)
May 4, 2024 | 9:00am
This year’s theme is superheroes.
Color Run (Arlington Heights)
May 11, 2024 | 8:30am – 10:30am
2K Color Run hosted by Salt Creek Rural Park District.
Run for 102 (La Grange Park)
May 11, 2024 | 8:00am
PTO/PTCs for the six schools in District 102 host this 1-mile fun run and 5k.
Mutt Strut 5K & 1-Mile Puppy Path (Lombard)
May 18, 2024 | 8:00am
Dogs are encouraged but not required.
Darien Dash 5K/10K & 1-Mile Run/Walk
May 19, 2024 | 8:00am
Also includes free kiddie fun run for ages 5 and under.
Walk the Walk for Mental Health (Hinsdale)
May 19, 2024 | 8:30am
One-mile color walk supporting Community House.
Tower Trot 5K, 10K, Double, and Fun Run (Western Springs)
May 25, 2024 | 8:30am
Fundraising for Healing Hearts for Ashley will be held in conjunction with the race.
June 2024 Races and Fun Runs
Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 5K and 10K (half-mile kids’ run) (Wheaton)
June 1, 2024 | 7:30 am
Benefits funds for Cosley Zoo animals, exhibit development projects, public programs, and conservation projects.
Roselle’s Run for the Roses
June 2 | times TBA
Family-friendly 5k, as well as a 1/3 of a mile youth run afterwards.
Run for the Zoo (Chicago)
June 2, 2024 | 7:00am – 12:00pm
Benefits Lincoln Park Zoo.
La Grange Rocks 5K
June 7, 2024 | 6:00 pm
Benefits The LeaderShop.
Daisy Dash (Clarendon Hills)
June 16, 2024 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Family-friendly 5k and youth 1K fun-run.
Run Your Mutt Off (Warrenville)
June 22, 2024 | 8:00am – 12:00pm
Supports Naperville Area Humane Society.
Shopping Cart Shuffle 5K Run/Walk & Kids Dash (Mallard Lake Forest Preserve, Bloomingdale)
June 22, 2024 | 8:15am
Benefits Neighborhood Food Pantries.
July 2024 Races and Fun Runs
Frontier Days Stampede (Arlington Heights)
July 7, 2024 | 7:30am – 9:00am
Ran in conjunction with the five day festival.
Windmill Whirl 5K Race and Kid Fun Run 1K (Batavia)
July 14, 2024 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Register in advance for t-shirt.
Stan’s Donut 5K Run, Walk and Kids Dash (Chicago)
July 27, 2024 | 8:00am
Race is located at Soldier Field and includes donuts along the course.
August 2024 Races and Fun Runs
Parkie’s 5k and Super Parkie’s Fun Run (Bolingbrook)
August 24, 2024 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Register in advance for a cape.
September 2024 Races and Fun Runs
Thin Mint Sprint (Fox River Grove)
September 14, 2024 | 8:30am – 12:00pm
Benefitting Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois.
Color Run (River Forest)
September 21, 2024 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Inaugural 1-mile race, benefitting West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA).
Mecca Moves Walk, Run, Roll (Burr Ridge)
September 28, 2024 | times TBA
Family-friendly annual event at Burr Ridge Village Center.
October 2024 Races and Fun Runs
Cheesy Pretzel 5k and 1 Mile Walk (Bolingbrook)
October 6, 2024 | 8:00am – 11:00am
Register in advance for this event through the Promenade.
Frank Lloyd Wright Races (Oak Park)
October 20, 2024 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Running for the 47th year through the streets of Oak Park.
2023 Races Not Yet Announced
These family-friendly races and fun-runs were held in 2023, but have not announced their plans as of March 26, 2024. Check their websites for more details.
- Ruff Run (Plainfield)
- SVF Friars 5K, Fun Run & Sr. Shuffle (River Forest)
- Kids Run This City 1K, 2K and 3K (Lincoln Park, Chicago)
- G.L.O.W. 5K Run (Naperville)
- Run for the Roses (La Grange Park)
- 4 on the 4th (Downtown Elmhurst)
- Ben’s Memorial Mile (Downers Grove)
- Tiny Tot Triathlon (La Grange)
- Strong Kids Triathlon (Wheeling)
- Brookfield Zoo Run
- Bubble Fun Run (Park Ridge)
- Lake Ellyn 1-Mile Classic and Kids Dash (Glen Ellyn)
- TwiLight Fun Run (Palatine)
- Medinah Color Run
- Harvest Hustle 5K and Kids Mile (Geneva)
- Healthy West Chicago presents: 5K Fun Run and Walk
- Monster and Me Mile (Lemont)
- Inside Out Club’s Fall Family 5K (Inside Out Club, Wheaton)
- Run for the Kids Superhero Hustle 5K Run/2K Walk (Villa Park)
- Mummy Mile (St. Charles)
- The Scarecrow Scramble (Lisle)
- Howl-O-Ween 5K (Bolingbrook)
- Hephzibah Halloween Fun Run and Walk (Oak Park)
- Fraidycat 5k, 8k and Meow Mile (Oswego)
- Family Flashlight Walk (Rolling Meadows)
- Cantigny 5K Run Walk (Wheaton)
- Beat the Eagle 5K and Kids 1-Mile Timed Run (Lombard)
- Gobbler Hobbler 10K and Mashed Potato Mile (Oswego)
- Reindeer Run (Brookfield Zoo)
- Run Fox Run (Elk Grove Village)
- Chilly Chili 5K and 2K (Schaumburg)
Did we miss a race or fun run in your area? Let us know, and we’ll add it to the list! You can also check out our outdoor activities page for even more ways to enjoy the outdoors with your family.
