Get out and test your stamina in an organized running event near Hinsdale
The annual Pink 5K Run/Walk through Oak Brook's Central Park is one of several events designed to get people moving taking place around the area over the next few weeks. (photo provided)
Time to dust off those sneakers and hit the ground running as the frequency of short- and mid-distance picks up speed this season. Whether for fitness or philanthropy - or both! - the selection of events below offers courses for all strides.
• Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 83 in Lisle, will debut its new Firefly Race Series, featuring a 3K course at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3, and a 10K run at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 4.
Be inspired by the facility's rolling terrain, whether taking on the 10K or the 3K, which is designed for runners and walkers of all levels - or register for both. A post-race party with glow lights and a DJ will follow the 3K run. Virtual options also are available.
Registration is $55 for the 3K, $65 for the 10K and $105 for both. Discounted rates are available to arboretum members and virtual participants. Visit http://www.mortonarb.org.
• The Quarryman Challenge 5K and 10 mile takes place at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11, starting at Lemont Village Hall, 418 Main St., and proceeding through Lemont's historic, scenic and small-town setting.
The 10-mile start will be closely followed by the 5K start at 7:35 a.m. Online registration closes May 1.
Registration is $50 for the 5K, $70 for the 10-mile. Visit http://www.quarrymanchallenge.com.
• Help fight breast cancer by participating in the Oak Brook Park District's 10th annual Pink 5K Run/Walk at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at Central Park, 1450 Forest Gate Road.
Register as an individual or as a team of 15 members or more. Proceeds from the event benefit Hinsdale Hospital Foundation's Open Arms breast cancer outreach fund.
Registration is $35, $40 on race day. Visit http://www.obparks.org.
• The annual Run for the Roses 5K event will be held at 8 a.m. Sunday, May 19, at Forest Road School, 901 Forest Road in LaGrange Park.
Sponsored by the LaGrange Park Chamber of Commerce, the run has been held for over 25 years, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Pillars Health.
Registration is $40, and the deadline to sign up is May 15. Visit http://www.raceroster.com/events/2024/85145/run-for-the-roses
• The 47th annual Tower Trot will step off Saturday, May 25, at Grand Avenue Community Center, 4211 Grand Ave. in Western Springs, with activities for ages and abilities.
The event features a 10K ruat 8:30 a.m., a Fun Run (under a mile) at 8:45 a.m., and a 5K run at 9:30 a.m .; those doing both the 10K and 5K will start with the 10K. The Fun Run will start at Chestnut and Grand.
Registration includes a T-shirt, refreshments and entertainment, and proceeds benefit the Healing Hearts for Ashley Foundation. Visitors also can enjoy the Eurobungy at no cost, although a waiver is required, which can be downloaded at the website below.
Registration for non-residents is $45 for the 10K, $40 for the 5K, $45 for both, $30 for ages 14 and under, and $15 for the Fun Run. Fees increase $5 on May 13. Visit http://www.wsprings.com/649/Tower-Trot.
• Celebrate Global Running Day at The Big Run at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, at Fleet Feet Elmhurst, 124 Schiller St., Elmhurst.
The 5K run will be followed by a free round of drinks for participants. Proceeds from the event will go to Gilda's Club Chicago to support those with cancer, as well as their families and friends.
General admission is $5. Visit http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-big-run-elmhurst-tickets-876211731877?aff=erelexpmlt.
• The LeaderShop's La Grange Rocks 5K Run & Family Fun will take place the evening of Friday, June 7, at the Lyons Township High School athletic field, 1401 W. Elm St. in La Grange.
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with games, crafts activities and special "celebrity" guests live music, and three all ages racing events. The one-lap run will kick off at 6 p.m., followed by the 1-mile run at 6:15 p.m. and the 5K run at 7 p.m.
Proceeds from the event goes to support The LeaderShop's youth programming including free after-school and mentoring programs, low-cost summer camp and youth leadership programs.
Registration is $25 for the 5K run (price increases after May 5), and $20 for the 1-mile run and one-lap run (parents may run the shorter runs with their children free of charge). Visit http://www.theleadershop.org.
Get a head start
Need some pointers to prepare for the next race? Sign up for the program "How to Train for a 5K Race" from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at the Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E. Maple St.
Running coach Lora Wright will discuss running plans and other important details to keep in mind for race day success. Register at http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info or by calling (630) 986-1976.
- compiled by Ken Knutson
