5K races near Franklin Park

Join us at Twin Lake for the Family Fun Fest and 5k. This event supports Hopeful Beginnings perinatal mental health and adoption services.

The Downers Grove, IL Ostomy 5k is a 5k run and walk in Downers Grove, Illinois, held for Ostomy Awareness Day. This is the event's third year and includes both open entry and separate OSTOMATE participant categories, so ostomates are directly included in the race structure, not just part of the crowd. The day is designed for families and 5k participants, with 50-yard Kids Run dashes for ages 5 and under and ages 6 through 10. Dogs and other pets are welcome if they can be outside safely, and organizers provide water and a water bowl for them. Race Time Race Management handles timing, providing a proper race setup for the 5k while remaining open to walkers, kids, pets, and supporters.

Boo Island is a 5K charity run/walk in Blue Island, Illinois, starting at 10:00 AM CDT from the corner of Canal Street and Olde Western Avenue. The entry fee is $35, and the event is designed for both runners and walkers, not just those focused on racing. The route follows the Cal-Sag Trail, offering participants a direct local path for the 5K distance. Funds raised support the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, assisting with rent, utility bills, furnace repairs, and transportation for medical appointments or work.

The Angels Against Abuse 5K Walk/Run takes place in the morning at Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. It begins at the Flight Deck in St. Charles Borromeo on the North Campus, located at 101 Airport Road. Registration and check-in start at 8:30 AM, with the 5K commencing at 9:30 AM. Participants have the option to run or walk, accommodating both those seeking to race the distance and those attending primarily to support the fundraiser. The event is organized by Guardian Angel Community Services Programs to raise funds for Groundwork and Suzy's Caring Place, with the aim of contributing to the effort to end domestic violence. While specific turn-by-turn course details are not provided, it is confirmed to be a campus-based 5K, not a point-to-point road race. The event welcomes pets and strollers, and includes raffles, prizes, activities, and refreshments in addition to the walk/run. Group and team discounts are available, aligning with the fundraising nature of the day.

Luminaria light the gently rolling paths for the Scarecrow Scramble, a nighttime 5K run/walk in Lisle Community Park, Lisle, Illinois. The event takes place in October and maintains a family atmosphere, offering a main 5K alongside a Youth Run and Tot Dash for younger participants. The 5K follows a USATF certified course through the park, suitable for serious runners seeking a timed race, while walkers and families can comfortably participate. Costumes are encouraged, adding to the Halloween-season ambiance. Proceeds benefit recreation scholarships for low-income families via the Lisle Partners for Parks Foundation and support the Lisle Teens with Character program; participants have raised over $7,000 in a previous year. This marks the race's 21st year, and its guidelines ensure an organized course: pets are not permitted on the route, and strollers are permitted only for 5K walkers beginning at the rear.

The Hops for Hope 5K & BrewFest begins and ends at Mount Saint Mary Park in St. Charles, Illinois, featuring beer samples integrated into the run. This is a certified, professionally timed 5K designed for both competitive runners and walkers, utilizing a wave start to organize participants by speed. The event is restricted to individuals aged 21 and over, including the festival area. 5K participants must collect their race packets beforehand with a valid ID. The course follows the river path towards Geneva, passes through Wheeler Park, and returns to Mount Saint Mary Park for the BrewFest. Along the route, Beer Stops offer 3-ounce samples from local craft breweries. The post-race festival includes additional beer samples, live music, food vendors, raffle tickets for the Mountain of Beer, and an Adaptive Bike Giveaway. Attendees can register for both the 5K and BrewFest, opt for a BrewFest-only ticket, or attend as a designated driver. Proceeds benefit Project Mobility, an organization that facilitates adaptive cycling opportunities. Over the last nine years, the event has contributed to the donation of nearly $80,000 in adaptive bicycles.

The Chicago HFTC 5K begins and ends at 4400 N Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, with runners starting at 8:00 AM Central Time. This is a standard 5 km road race and is part of the Head for the Cure 5K series. The race location is on Chicago’s North Side near Lake Michigan, with Lake Shore Drive serving as the main point. The provided race information emphasizes the basic 5K format instead of a detailed course map. Therefore, the key details are the distance, the early start time, the Chicago lakefront setting, and its connection to the broader Head for the Cure series.

Monster Mash is a Michigan race series organized by Finish Line Runs, an event group based near Detroit and Ann Arbor. The race has been held annually since 2019, designed as a run for families and individuals of all paces and experience levels. The organizer focuses on the additional elements: race shirts, medals, and post-race refreshments are key attractions. The event also partners with Make-A-Wish, and participant contributions have generated $8,347.62 for the charity since its inception. A local collaboration with Dick's in Novi offers participants a 20% discount coupon.

The Rotary Run Charity Classic is a family running event in Hinsdale, known locally as Hinsdale's Family Run. Now in its 30th year, the event maintains a straightforward approach with affordable entry fees, a reduced rate for families, and race choices suitable for various ages and skill levels. The event focuses on families participating together, rather than a single competitive field. Entry fees support Rotary's charitable initiatives, both in the local community and abroad, making the day a combination of a race, a family activity, and a fundraising effort.

The Lemons of Love Pink Lemonade 5K Run/Walk is a 5K race in Mount Prospect, Illinois. It takes place in the fall at Lions Park, starting at 50 S. Emerson St. The event is designed for both runners and walkers, with proceeds benefiting Lemons of Love, a nonprofit organization supporting individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Participants may walk or run to honor someone they know with cancer, making the event meaningful for many. The race also commemorates Nikki Criel, a founding Lemons of Love committee member known for her purple hair and nails. Those who register by the cutoff date can receive race shirts, and the first 1,000 finishers will receive medals.

Jonathan Burr Elementary School hosts the 27th Running of the Bucktown 5K & Kids Run, inviting families to "Lace up, grab your crew" for a community event. This tradition sets the stage for a lively local race, perfect for those seeking an encouraging atmosphere. Participants can look forward to the tradition to "run for donuts," offering a treat at the finish line for all. With a dedicated kids run, this event is designed for families and friends to enjoy together, making it a memorable and popular outing that's "almost SOLD OUT!".

The Fire Zone 5K is a run/walk in Lockport, Illinois. It begins at Hassert Park on West Renwick Road, opposite Lockport Township Fire Protection District Station 6. This new community race is hosted by the Lockport Township Fire Foundation. Entry fees and sponsorships generate funds for firefighting and lifesaving equipment. The route departs the park and proceeds through Prairie Bluff Preserve. The event accommodates both runners and walkers. Each participant receives a race T-shirt and a participation medal. Trophies are awarded to the top three finishers in each age category. Proceeds support the foundation's equipment purchases, including defibrillators for the fire district.