2026 - 2nd Annual HBCU Run & Brunch | Chicago, IL, United States

About the Event

The 2nd Annual HBCU Run & Brunch returns to Chicago's South Side on Saturday, September 19th, 2026. Organizers have expanded the event with a brand-new 10K run alongside the classic 5K race/walk, providing participants with even more options to celebrate their community.
The run begins at Midway Park, located just off Halsted Street near the University of Chicago campus, surrounded by vibrant local businesses and historic buildings. Race morning finds runners and walkers lining up on the park's expansive green spaces, where the atmosphere is electric with pre-race excitement and camaraderie among participants from various HBCUs, PWIs, and community groups.
Since its inception in 2025, this event has grown significantly, attracting hundreds of attendees each year who come to support local scholarship initiatives and honor the rich cultural heritage of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). The tradition continues to thrive as it brings together diverse communities in celebration of academic excellence, resilience, and unity.
Course venues for both distances are well-marked through Midway Park's streets, with a mix of paved paths and sidewalks that offer an enjoyable run. Participants will pass by historic landmarks like the University of Chicago campus, providing a unique opportunity to take in the cityscape while racing. The course layout features several water stations and rest areas along its route for hydration during the event.
The 10K race commences at Midway Park before heading east on Halsted Street through busy commercial districts where vendors set up stalls offering food, drinks, and HBCU merchandise. Near Roosevelt Road, runners and walkers turn back towards the park finishing line amidst cheers from fellow participants and spectators lining the route. The 5K course follows a similar path but with fewer turns, allowing for an easier run suitable for all levels.
Weather conditions on race day are typically mild, with temperatures ranging between 16 to 24 degrees Celsius (60-75°F). Humidity averages around 72%, making it feel slightly damp. Light winds of about 13 kilometers per hour (8 mph) may create a slight chill but won't affect performance significantly.

10K Run + Brunch
10km • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $39.44

10K Run + VIP Brunch Experience
10km • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $60.83

5K Run + Brunch
5km • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $28.74

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Chicago.

thermostat Temperature

16.1° / 23.8°

wb_sunny Feels like

14.9° / 22.7°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

9h 52m

water_drop Avg rainfall

3.1 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

12.8 km/h (Gentle breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

High

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Moderate (5.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

72.4%

wb_twilight Sunrise

06:31

nightlight Sunset

18:58

About Chicago

Learn more about the host city, Chicago.

Chicago is the home of the blues and the truth of jazz, the heart of comedy and the idea of the skyscraper. Here, the age of railroads found its center, and airplanes followed suit. "Stormy, Husky, Brawling / City of Big Shoulders," Chicago is a Heartland boomtown, its ethos defined by urban planner Daniel Burnham's immortal vision: "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood." It is one of the world's great cities and the third largest city in the United States, behind only New York City and Los Angeles.

Hotels & Places to Stay

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Registration Discount

Use the promo code below during registration to save on entry fees.

$10 OFF

Promo code RG1026

*Promo codes are collected from publicly available sources. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any brand listed. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Offers may expire or change without notice.