5K races near Joliet

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 Cantigny 5K Run/Walk is an annual 5K run/walk held at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois. The race supports the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, making it a local veterans’ cause as much as a running event. The event includes a 1-mile run for ages 6 to 10 and a quarter-mile run for children 5 and under; neither children’s race is chip-timed. Cantigny Park is part of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. One reported edition sent $12,504 in net race proceeds to the shelter, with the check presented on Veterans Day.

The Naperville Half Marathon, 10K & 5K all start and finish near downtown Naperville, with the race village close to the center of town. The races are run on a cool October morning and give runners a choice between the half marathon, the Endeavor Health 10K, and the 5K. It is a local event with spectator support, volunteer assistance, personalized bibs, finisher medals, shirt and hoodie options, and post-race food for in-person runners. The half marathon and 10K courses tour central Naperville, including downtown streets, historic sights, neighborhoods, and a section around Naperville North High School where runners can spot people ahead of or behind them. The course is relatively flat, which makes it friendly for steady pacing. The series also offers a virtual option, and repeat runners can earn consecutive-year finisher medals, premium awards, multi-race awards, and Chicagoland Distance Challenge medals when they qualify.