5K races near Lake Station

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.

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 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.

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.

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 Governors State University Jaguar 5K is a fall campus race held in University Park, Illinois. Registration occurs before the 10 a.m. start at 1 University Parkway. The primary event is a chip-timed 5K, complemented by a 1-mile walk and a free kids dash, accommodating runners, walkers, families, and teams at the same location. The course is contained within the Governors State University campus. Following the 5K, awards will be presented for age brackets and top finishers, concluding with an awards ceremony. Participants receive a custom T-shirt. Teams have the opportunity to fundraise collectively, with awards for the largest fundraising efforts. The event benefits scholarships. A DJ will lead warm-ups with the university’s Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy departments. Food trucks, beverages, and children’s activities, organized by the Lupus Society of Illinois, will also be available.

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.

Witches in the Woods is a Halloween night race at the Fairgrounds, featuring a timed 5K run and a non-timed 2K walk that begin in the early evening. The course winds through the trees and along Fairgrounds roads after dark, so participants should bring a flashlight or headlamp. This event is designed for more than just fast runners: strollers are welcome, children under 3 participate for free, and the shorter walk offers an accessible option for families and those prioritizing costumes. The race is part of the Hometown Hocus Pocus Market, and registration includes admission to the market following the run or walk. This portion of the evening includes Sanderson Sisters performances, shopping, live music, food, craft drinks, trick-or-treating, costume contests, hay rides, and a photo challenge with prizes for spotting a witch. The competitive 5K still provides official results, with awards for the top overall finishers and the top three in each age category. The Halloween spirit is further reflected in Best Costume awards and finisher medals for the first 200 registrants.

The Halloween Trick or Trot Run is a small Halloween-themed run on Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, offering 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distances, plus a family mile and a virtual option. It is designed for runners and walkers, welcoming all paces. Children may participate with a guardian, and wave sizes are limited to maintain a smaller field. The course details are emailed to participants. The race takes place on the Lakefront Trail in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Timing is optional, without chips; runners can use an app or seek assistance from coordinators. Finishers receive a medal, shirt, towel, or giveaway, along with Halloween candy. Late registrants might receive shirts by mail after the event. Sold-out waves encourage participation in the virtual run or waitlist. The organizer also connects post-race logged miles to charitable contributions.