Run for the Parks! 5K Run, Walk or Roll

Sponsored by Banner Wholesale Grocers

Get moving on the Lakefront Trail and join us for a community celebration of our parks! In partnership with Banner Wholesale Grocers, the Chicago Parks Foundation is thrilled to bring our 5K event back for our fourth year at beautiful Burnham Park.

• Timed out-and-back Lakefront Trail 5K course

• 1-Mile Nature Walk on the Burnham Wildlife Corridor

• 400m or 800m Lakefront Trail Kids Dash 

• Post-Race Pancake Party 

• New exclusive t-shirt design by local artist

• Food, drinks, fun and freebies! 

Participation Options

5K RUN, WALK OR ROLL 

Timed out-and-back 5K course starting south of 31st Street Beach and heading south on the Lakefront Trail. 

The course takes place on the paved pedestrian pathway of the Lakefront Trail. Course suitable only for walkers, runners, and manual wheelchair participants of all paces. Course not suited for bicycles, handcycles, or rollerblades. All ages and abilities welcome; accessibility guides welcome.

1-MILE NATURE WALK  

1-mile nature walk along the beautiful Burnham Wildlife Corridor guided by Illinois Extension Master Naturalists - move and learn!

Guided walks will occur during the 5K race as an alternate activity - choose one or the other. A great option for kids, family, and friends who want to support 5K participants. All ages welcome. This is a woodchip path not suitable for wheels. 

KIDS DASH 

After the 5K race takes off, kids can get out on the Lakefront Trail course for a 400m or 800m dash of their own! 

For ages 10 and under. Distance will be selected on event day. Children participating only in the Kids Dash must be supervised before and after dash. Alternatively, children are welcome to register for the 5K or the 1-Mile Nature Walk.

All registered participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and access to the post-race party including food/beverage ticket. 

CPF Thanks Our Partners

Chicago Parks Foundation is proud to once again partner with Banner Wholesale Grocers as our fourth time Presenting Sponsor. Banner is a local family-owned business, celebrating their 100th year of service in 2026!

Special thanks to Illinois Extension Master Naturalists for joining us as our 2026 Nature Walk Sponsor to guide us on the Burnham Wildlife Corridor. 

Support also provided by Sharprint, ATI Physical Therapy, Fleet Feet, and Goose Island. 

Who are we? Chicago Parks Foundation. Public parks need private support. We are the private organization helping our public parks thrive. A little green goes a long way thanks to you.