4th Annual Run for the Parks! 5K Run, Walk or Roll

About the Event

Chicago Park Run! 5K Run, Walk or Roll 2026-09-13 Chicago Illinois United States The event is back for its fourth year at Burnham Park on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering a scenic route through one of America's most beloved cities. On race day, expect a perfect fall morning with temperatures ranging from 16 to 24 degrees Celsius under mostly sunny skies and gentle winds—ideal conditions for an outdoor event.
The run begins in the heart of Burnham Park at the historic 31st Street Beach, where you'll start your journey among lush greenery and vibrant community energy. The park is bustling with residents enjoying their morning walks or bike rides as runners prepare to take off. As the race progresses along the Lake Michigan shoreline, participants will witness a mix of urban landscapes and natural beauty, capturing the essence of Chicago's rich cultural heritage.
Chicago Park Run! 5K Run, Walk or Roll has grown from just over 200 participants in its inaugural year to nearly 600 runners this time around. The event not only brings together locals but also attracts visitors who appreciate both the city and its commitment to community health through such initiatives. It's a celebration of local parks that serve as vital green spaces for recreation, exercise, and social interaction.
The course is primarily on firm ground with some slightly soft patches due to recent rains, ensuring safety while still providing an engaging experience. Start/finish at Burnham Park offers runners the chance to enjoy the beach area post-race party or simply take in the views of Lake Michigan. There are two aid stations along the route offering water and snacks for those who need it.
Weather on race day will be mild with averages around 20 degrees Celsius, light winds blowing from west-southwest at about 13 kilometers per hour, and a humidity level of roughly 72%. Runners should prepare by wearing layers as the temperature may fluctuate. UV index is moderate, so sunscreen and a hat are recommended.

Post-Race Party Only
1 Miles • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $20.00

5K Run, Walk or Roll
5K • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $40.00

Everything But the 5K
1 Miles • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $20.00

Nature Walk
1 Miles • Start: 09:00:00 • Fee: $25.00

Kid's Dash
Start: 09:45:00 • Fee: $15.00

Kid's Dash - 1/2 Mile
800m • Start: 09:45:00 • Fee: $15.00

Kids Dash - 1 Mile
1 Miles • Start: 09:45:00 • Fee: $10.00

Register for Chicago Park Run! 5K Run, Walk or Roll via https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Chicago/RunfortheParks5k1 with early bird pricing until September 3rd at $40 per runner. Bib pick-up will be available on race day from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM in the park.
The event starts promptly at 9:00 AM sharp, so plan accordingly if you're new or have any age restrictions, which start at 16 years old for full participants. For first-timers, we recommend arriving early to get a good starting position and enjoy pre-race activities hosted by volunteers and local community groups.
Chicago Park Run! 5K Run, Walk or Roll on September 13th, 2026, marks yet another milestone in the city's dedication to public health and community engagement. Join us as we celebrate our parks and promote a healthier lifestyle for all residents of Chicago and beyond.

Races Offered

Post-Race Party Only

Sep 13, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

sell

$20.00

5K Run, Walk or Roll

Sep 13, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

sell

$40.00

Everything But the 5K

Sep 13, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

sell

$20.00

Nature Walk

Sep 13, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

sell

$25.00

Kid's Dash

Sep 13, 2026

straighten

Distance — Kids Dash

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:45

sell

$15.00

Kid's Dash - 1/2 Mile

Sep 13, 2026

straighten

Distance — 800m

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:45

sell

$15.00

Kids Dash - 1 Mile

Sep 13, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:45

sell

$10.00

Weather History

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.