5K races near Gary

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.

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 Bronzeville 5K Run/Walk begins at 4433 South St. Lawrence in Chicago, guiding participants through historic Bronzeville. This 5K is open to all ages, designed for families, neighbors, local runners, and anyone seeking a community fitness event rather than a competition solely for serious athletes. The event is now in its sixth year and generates funds for schools within the Bronzeville community. We Run Sports, the organizer, emphasizes active lifestyles, recreational sports, health, and community involvement. Its nonprofit branch, the Spaulding Foundation, backs initiatives that leverage sports for improved well-being and directs proceeds to other 501(c)(3) organizations.

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.

The Abbott Chicago 5K is a Saturday 5K held in downtown Chicago during Bank of America Chicago Marathon weekend. It offers marathon spectators, family, and friends a short race of their own, and also serves as a straightforward shakeout run for athletes preparing for Sunday's marathon. The course begins downtown, heads toward the Lakefront Trail, and concludes near Shedd Aquarium by the museum campus. The broader marathon weekend draws participants from all 50 states and over 100 countries, allowing the 5K to share in the international atmosphere and city-wide energy without requiring participants to complete the full marathon distance.

YMCA Run For The Hills is a 5K and 2K held at Camp Triangle Hills of Crossroads YMCA in Crown Point, Indiana, during Fall Fest. The 5K begins first in the morning, followed by the 2K a few minutes later, ensuring families and shorter-distance runners share the same race setup as the longer event. The course is closed to traffic and winds through the hilly 144-acre camp property, offering a campground atmosphere rather than a road race through town. The 5K includes a broad age-group awards structure, along with Athena and Clydesdale divisions. Timing is managed with bib-based computerized results. Run For The Hills serves as the final event in the Crossroads YMCA Triple Crown Challenge, which also includes the Hub Run and Brickyard Run. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Income-Based Scholarship.

The DBC Keys 2 Stability Community 5K is a family-friendly run/walk held on a Saturday in October, offering both an in-person 5K and a Virtual 5K option. It is built around local support rather than racing prestige, and community members can participate by walking, running, sponsoring, or donating. The fundraising supports families facing hidden homelessness, providing assistance with hotel stays, fresh food and produce, personal care essentials, household items, and laundry. The event also raises money for book bags, school supplies, and gift cards for homeless school children in the Chicago south suburbs, giving families, businesses, and local leaders a clear reason to participate beyond the finish line.

The Chicago Fall Classic is a fall race day on Chicago’s lakefront, featuring a half marathon, a 10K run/walk, and the Hot Cider Hustle 5K run/walk. Virtual 5K, 10K, and half marathon options are available, alongside a Kid’s Division 5K Fun Run. The half marathon and 10K begin simultaneously, creating a shared run fest atmosphere rather than a single-distance focus. The courses traverse Montrose Harbor and are USATF-certified, providing runners with an officially measured route. The half marathon and 10K were formerly known as Country Sole, with the Hot Cider Hustle introducing the autumn theme to the shorter race. Upon finishing, participants receive local caramel apples and hot apple cider. Aid stations and restrooms are positioned throughout the course.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Races occur annually in the fall in Oak Park, Illinois, west of Chicago. The event includes a 10K, a 5K, and a youth mile for children 7 and up, accommodating runners, walkers, families, and local club members in a single morning. The Parks Foundation of Oak Park organizes the race, which is one of the longest-running road races in Illinois. The 10K route is most connected to the namesake, passing five Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. The course is primarily on flat suburban streets, winding through Oak Park’s tree-lined neighborhoods. The start and finish are located near Ontario Street and Elmwood Avenue. Participants receive a long-sleeved race shirt, a fitting tradition for a fall event in the Chicago area.

The Duneland Half Marathon and 5K begins and ends at Dogwood Park in Chesterton, Indiana. The half marathon starts first, followed shortly by the 5K Run/Walk. This event is Race #10 in the Race the Region series, with both distances contributing to series points. The half marathon course is certified, but the 5K course is not. The event is designed for runners who prioritize efficient logistics alongside the race itself. Timing mats are placed at the start, and chip timing manages finish results. Live results are available via text or email. Directional signs mark every turn. Participants who finish will receive custom medals and shirts. Awards are presented to overall winners, masters runners, and the top three male and female participants in each age group for both races.

The Howl-o-ween 5k is a Halloween-themed 5k run or walk at Dan Ryan Woods in Chicago, Illinois. It is built for people who want a short fall race rather than a long-distance challenge, and the event’s dog-friendly setup fits the Howl-o-ween name. The race is held in Dan Ryan Forest Preserve, giving runners and walkers a park setting on Chicago’s South Side. It supports K9’s for Veterans, and the extras lean into the holiday mood: swag, treats, and space for participants who want to bring dogs into the day.

The Spooky Sprint - Greater Chicago is an annual Halloween-themed running event in the Chicago area. It offers a half marathon, 10k, 5k, 1 mile, and a Kid's Dash. The event is designed for families and mixed groups, not exclusively serious racers, and includes chip timing, live results, and awards for the main timed races. The shorter distances allow parents, kids, first-timers, and casual walkers to participate on the same day. The Kid's Dash is open to children 10 and under. Kids can run the Kid's Dash without charge if they opt out of the shirt and medal package. All finishers receive race items like a custom bib, designer shirt, and medal. Free participant photos and treats are available at the finish line. A virtual option allows individuals to run independently and still get the event gear.