Illinois State Fair Parade Run

The Illinois State Fair Parade Run is a 2-mile race held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois, as the fair begins. It begins inside the fairgrounds, leads runners out the front gate, and directs them onto the Illinois State Fair parade route. The distance suits walkers, first-timers, families, and quick local runners, allowing them to participate together without dedicating a full day to a long race. The crowd already gathered for the parade offers a unique atmosphere: spectators line the route and encourage participants as they pass. The race is also integrated with fair logistics. Packet pickup is available at Springfield Running Center before race day, with limited pickup at the fairgrounds in the Village of Cultures. Early pickup includes fair admission, whereas race-day pickup requires payment to enter the grounds. A virtual option exists for those who prefer to run or walk two miles elsewhere and submit a result online; however, virtual runners do not compete for age-group awards. Now in its 35th year, the event functions more as a traditional kickoff ritual for the Illinois State Fair than a separate race.