Rockford · United States

5K races near Rockford

42 races in 2026 next one in 2 days

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Upcoming 5K races near Rockford

This week 2

Run · road · 5K

Dixon · 58 km away

Run · road · 5K

43rd Annual Milton Optimist Independence Day 10K Run/5K Walk/1 Mile Run

Milton · 57 km away

JUL 12

Run · road · 5K

Mullarkey's Bar and Grill Spirits Run

Mount Morris · 38 km away

Run · road · 5K

NAMI Sauk Area 5K

Sterling · 70 km away

Run · road · 5K

Byron Fest 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run

Byron · 23 km away

+35 more 5K racesShow fewer ↓

Run · road · 5K

McHenry Lakefront 5K & Kids Fun Run

McHenry · 53 km away

Run · road · 5K

2026 Mad Tuna Tournament

Rockford · 64 km away

Run · road · 5K

Batavia · 80 km away

Run · road · 5K

Mesa Falls Marathon

Ashton · 46 km away

Run · road · 5K

Healthy Heart Hustle 5K

Freeport · 45 km away

Run · road · 5K

Run The Valley 5k/10K

German Valley · 32 km away

Run · road · 5K

Edgerton Rascal Run

Edgerton · 63 km away

Run · road · 5K

Crystal Lake Aquathon - 2026

Crystal Lake · 65 km away

Run · road · 5K

Janesville · 45 km away

AUG 11

Run · road · 5K

Skelly's Donut Dash

Janesville · 41 km away

Run · road · 5K

Run for C'ville

Carpentersville · 70 km away

Run · road · 5K

MUDGIRL Chicago

Spring Grove · 73 km away

Run · road · 5K

Elgin · 72 km away

Run · road · 5K

Lena Brew Run 5k

Lena · 59 km away

Run · road · 5K

Highlander Assault Obstacle Race

Pingree Grove · 56 km away

Run · trail · 5K

Registration Opens May 1, 2026

New Glarus · 72 km away

Run · road · 5K

Race for a Place to Call Home

Janesville · 49 km away

Run · road · 5K

Alana's Eternal Light 5K

Genoa · 39 km away

Run · road · 5K

Strawfest Strut 5K

Mount Morris · 37 km away

Run · road · 5K

Amboy · 65 km away

SEP 15

Run · trail · 5K

GristMill Grind

Franklin Grove · 51 km away

Run · road · 5K

Sandwich Fair Shake Up Shuffle

Sandwich · 79 km away

Run · road · 5K

Thin Mint Sprint 2026

Fox River Grove · 72 km away

Run · road · 5K

9/11 Heroes Run - Chicago, Illinois

South Barrington · 78 km away

Run · road · 5K

St. Charles · 75 km away

Run · road · 5K

5K for All: From Babies to Grandparents

Port Barrington · 74 km away

Run · road · 5K

Run for Tomorrow 5K

Elburn · 68 km away

Run · road · 5K

Glow in the Garden 5k

Rockford · 2 km away

Run · road · 5K

Race to Recycle

South Beloit · 24 km away

Run · road · 5K

Elgin · 71 km away

Run · road · 5K

Heritage Fest 10k

West Dundee · 70 km away

Run · road · 5K

Fox Valley Marathon Races

St. Charles · 76 km away

Run · road · 5K

Headless Horseman Hussle

Sleepy Hollow · 68 km away

Run · road · 5K

Discover Whitewater Series

Whitewater · 70 km away

Run · road · 5K

Stone Bridge Half Marathon and 5k

Roscoe · 18 km away

Rockford · 80 km

42 races mapped View on map →

Recurring 5K races near Rockford

Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly

Panting Four Paws

Panting for Paws hosts 5K and 10K runners and walkers at West Florence High School for its annual animal-shelter fundraiser. A virtual 5K is available for those unable to attend in person, and the race proceeds regardless of weather. Finishers earn medals, and virtual participants receive a shirt and medal. The in-person event features music, food, and children's activities, with proceeds benefiting homeless dogs and cats via The Darlington County Humane Society Shelter and The Florence Area Humane Society. Those not participating in the run or walk can assist by volunteering or donating.

Hops for Hope 5K & BrewFest Presented by 93 Octane Brewery 2026

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.

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.

Nik's 7K Home Run & 1.5 Mile Walk at MercyHealth Sportscore Two (Indoor Sports Center)

Nik's 7K Home Run & 1.5 Mile Walk is a morning run-and-walk fundraiser held at MercyHealth Sportscore Two. The Indoor Sports Center serves as the race site and the location for the post-race gathering. Participants can choose between a 7K run or a 1.5-mile walk. Check-in and registration begin at 8:00 AM, with both distances commencing at 9:00 AM. The funds raised benefit young adults aged 18 to 24 who are battling cancer. Organizers note this age group often lacks support, as pediatric programs typically conclude at 18 and adult programs begin at 25. Nik's Home Run represents the organization's primary annual fundraiser. Registration covers a T-shirt and a swag bag, followed by an indoor afterparty.

El Trote De Las Calacas

El Trote De Las Calacas, the Skeleton Trot, is a USATF-certified 5K run and walk in Elgin, Illinois. It starts from the Gail Borden Public Library on North Grove Avenue. The race is connected to Day of the Dead. The morning includes music, food, performers, dancing catrinas, costumes, and a festival inside the library. The Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation and the U-46 Educational Foundation organize it, with support from the City of Elgin. The route begins at the library, goes through Elgin’s historic northeast neighborhood, and uses the Fox River bike path for a portion of the 5K. Runners and walkers participate together, with recent crowds exceeding 1,000. An ofrenda, a cultural marketplace, and Day of the Dead costumes contribute to the community festival atmosphere. Proceeds benefit child-focused nonprofits associated with School District U-46 and the Gail Borden Public Library District.

Run Stephenson County

Run Stephenson County begins and ends at the Jane Addams Trailhead in Orangeville, Illinois, offering a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and cycling fun ride. This is an annual YMCA fundraiser, with entry fees supporting reduced-cost access to YMCA programs and memberships for children, families, seniors, and neighbors. The half marathon features a flat start and finish, with rolling hills in the middle miles. The 5K and 10K courses are designed for runners aiming for fast times. The paved, certified route follows the Jane Addams Trail and local farmland roads, including chip timing, aid stations, and porta-potties. Participants receive a tech shirt, half marathon finishers are awarded medals, top finishers receive trophies, and the finish area provides food, vendors, and a close-knit community atmosphere.

Jaimie Cox Memorial Run

The Jaimie Cox Memorial Run begins at Roscoe Middle School in Roscoe, Illinois. In October, participants can choose between a 5K run/walk and a 2-mile walk. The event honors Jaimie Cox and serves as a charity fundraiser, noted by organizers as the Roscoe area’s largest 5K charity event. Starting from the school, the course proceeds west to the historic Stone Bridge Trail. It then turns south, reaches a halfway point, and loops back to Roscoe Middle School. The route features mixed surfaces, including crushed limestone and gravel, offering a different feel than a typical road 5K and resembling more of a community trail run. Registration is available for walkers, runners, children, and virtual participants, broadening the event beyond a standard timed race.

Richardson Farm Fall 5K & 10K with Family 1 Mile Adventure Run

The Richardson Farm Fall 5K & 10K is an obstacle-course race at Richardson Farm in Spring Grove, Illinois, featuring a corn maze. Participants can select a timed or untimed 5K, a 10K, a 5K route through the farm, a 1 Mile Adventure Run for families, and children’s events including a 100-meter maze dash. The 5K route runs inside Richardson Farm’s corn maze, described as the World’s Largest Corn Maze. The path is marked but includes numerous turns, offering a puzzle-like experience rather than a typical road race. Families have a shorter adventure run, and the variety of timed, untimed, children’s, and walk-friendly options accommodates a range of participants.

Haunted Highlander Assault Trail Run

The Haunted Highlander Assault Trail Run is a Halloween-season 5K trail event using timed heats, with starts from early evening through 10:00 p.m. Participants can run, walk, or ruck, so the field is not limited to those chasing a fast road-race time. The trail is part race course and part haunted attraction, with sets, animatronics, and live actors along the route. After the 5K, people stay for a costume contest, bonfire, live entertainment, and food. Spectators pay a $10 fee, children 3 and under watch free, and parking is free.

Driftless Distance Night

Driftless Distance Night is a summer evening track meet held under the lights at Central High School in La Crosse, Wisconsin. While the 5k is the primary event, the schedule also features a Community Walk/Jog 5k and youth races, accommodating both those seeking a relaxed group run and runners aiming for fast track times. All events take place on the track at 1801 Losey Blvd S, with participants eligible to enter one or multiple races. The 5k is divided into Open, Seeded, and Elite heats, with pacers set for 20:00, 17:00, and 15:00 respectively. The youth meet, organized in partnership with River City Run Club, includes 200m, 1600m, and 3200m races. Spectators are welcome, and registration includes a free shirt. All proceeds benefit the Driftless Distance Project's initiatives in running.

Rock Falls First Responder 5k

The Rock Falls First Responder 5K is a Halloween-themed morning 5K organized by Rock Falls Fire Fighters Association Local 3291. This is the event's third year and it includes runners, walkers, families, parents with strollers, and local supporters. Proceeds benefit the association's support of community and charitable organizations. The course winds through Rock Falls and accommodates strollers, making it suitable for a broad range of participants beyond competitive runners. Prior to the main race, children aged 12 and under can participate in the Kids Trick or Treat Fun Run, where costumes are welcome and candy is distributed as part of the pre-race activities.

Frosty Rock Challenge

The Frosty Rock Challenge takes place in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, starting at Fort Atkinson High School on a Saturday in November. It features three distances: a 12k run, a 5k run, and a free 1-mile walk/run. This variety accommodates runners seeking a longer mixed-surface course, as well as families and walkers. The 12k and 5k require a pre-registration fee, and event T-shirts are available for purchase. The Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson organizes the race. The 12k course begins at the high school, incorporating both roads and trails as it extends into Dorothy Carnes County Park before looping back to the school grounds. Participants will pass the historic Mason Farms log home and traverse areas of oak savannah, marshes, wetlands, and prairie. Proceeds from the race benefit Fort Rotary projects, such as local park enhancements, school programs, and non-profit initiatives. Additionally, funds contribute to food, health, water, and sanitation efforts in countries including the Philippines, India, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Poland, and Ukraine.

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About 5K races in Rockford

Rockford Base Miles

Rockford hosts 67 5K races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.

Rockford runners get a lot from the Forest City setup, especially when a steady Z2 day needs trees, river, and room. The path runs from Davis Park to the Machesney Park Mall area, so locals use it for easy miles, tempo work, and out-and-backs. Rock Cut State Park handles the dirt crowd, and the Hobo Trail Runs 10k-25k-50k give that scene an anchor event. Rockford Road Runners keeps the old-school race culture alive, and Rockford Wildcats brings kids in. Fleet Feet, Screw City Run Club, Run the Rock, and Olympic Running Club keep group runs low-key and no one left behind.

Rockford riders have plenty to work with because the city is actually loaded with cyclists, both mountain bike and road. BlackHawk Bicycle & Ski Club is the main name, and BBSC routes like Old Tuesday Night Ride, Page Park School to Pec, and First tHrILLS Long Route give locals real group-ride structure. 3 km. The ride from Home Depot to Rock Cut State Park is 9 miles north. Alpine Hills Trails, Atwood Trails, and Anna Page Park Trails cover singletrack days.

April, May, June, July, August, and September are the best months here, and most riders start showing up in April and June. Summer in Rockford runs hot and humid, so locals hit the Rock River Recreation Path early, keep intervals honest, and save long base miles for days that feel a little windy, but otherwise, very comfortable. Rock Cut State Park stays useful for trail running and mountain biking when the shade matters. Winter brings bitterly cold Arctic air masses and about 36 inches of snow, so runners and riders shorten loops, pick familiar paths, and treat outdoor Z2 as a character builder.