Kid-Friendly Fun Runs Around Chicago

Kristy Pepping said:  The Tinley Park District hosts three races each year, one of which is the Running O'The Green. Their 8K race is designed for everyone whether a beginner or a veteran runner and brings the community together. Even walkers enjoy participating with friends and family to get everyone out and moving!

Lisa R said:  This fun evening run, where kids are coated in colorful powder throughout the course, is a celebration from start to finish. The event includes both a pre-party and post-party, where kids can admire how messy they managed to get. The course is one lap around the trail at Community Park, starting by the pool. Families must register in advance online or at the Palos Heights Recreation Center. Registration includes a special Color Run T-shirt.

Lisa R said:  

Run and swim your way to the finish in this fun biathlon. Kids will start out with a 100 or 200 yard swim in Norridge Park District's pool, followed by either 1 or 2 kilometers around the park. Distances are determined by age. All finishers will receive medals, with special awards for top competitors.

Kristy Pepping said:  Hero Hustle in Chicago's norther suburbs, is presented by The Rotary Club of Glenview Sunrise & The Glenview Fire Fighters #4186. Race dressed up as your favorite hero and run for a great cause. 100 percent of the funds raised go back to the community. There will be a 1 mile obstacle course, 5k and 10k. There is an optional pre-race dinner the night before the race at Harley Davidson.

Kristy Pepping said:  Join the NorthShore Cupid's Love Dash for a Valentine’s Day themed run or walk through the beautiful streets of Highland Park! For braving the cold, everyone will receive a medal, warm hot chocolate and a heart-shaped lollipop at the finish line.

Yoli B said:  Join your fellow runners for the Village of Willowbrook's Annual Spring Fling Run and Community Fair. The whole family can participate in the 5K Run/Walk or Kid's Fun Run, and after you've crossed the finish line, the kids will love the community fair with a petting zoo, bounce house, and much, much more!

Shila said:  This annual, kid-friendly competition will showcase three traditional triathlon events: swimming (25-125 yards), biking (1.45-3.46 miles), and running (.75-1.25 miles).

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Join the cause this Mother's Day weekend to help fight breast cancer. This year's 5k run/walk benefits the Open Arms-Hinsdale Hospital Foundation’s Breast Cancer Outreach Fund. Get active, get healthy and help others!

Shila said:  A 5K celebration through foamy bubble bogs. Kids under 4 are free with a registered adult, and strollers are welcome. A post race celebration continues with bubble cannons, colored foam, music and dancing.

Alexandra F. said:  This fun family event features a 5-mile run, a 5K run/walk, a 1-mile walk and a 50 meter dash for the kiddos! Best of all is the post race picnic in the park, which will feature BBQ, refreshing drinks for all ages, and kids activities. Proceeds support Downers Grove Park District's Inclusion Services.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Come dressed up as your favorite superhero for a 5k run/2 mile walk to benefit Easter Seals Disability Services of DuPage & Fox Valley. All abilities and skill levels welcome. Awards will be given to the top male and female runners in 12 age divisions. The day includes refreshments and fun for the whole family including: silent auction & raffle, DJ, face painting and more!

This family-friendly food truck rally and 5K is the perfect way to spend an active day! 15+ Food trucks will be available for this event. The 5K takes place on paved roads around the College of Dupage campus. Kids can can participate in a 100 yard dash and touch impressive trucks including, fire engines, patrol cars, and tow trucks. They'll have face painting and other kid friendly activities. Kids are encouraged to wear their halloween costumes!

Kristy Pepping said:  Think you are as physically fit as a police officer? You may be surprised! I know someone training to be a police officer and needs to take three physical fitness tests to qualify! This race lets you test your speed against the police force. Start and stop at the Gurnee Police Station. Water and gatorade provided throughout the race. Either a 5K or 10K. Proceeds help the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center.

Kristy Pepping said:  Join the biggest event of the running season for Glen Ellyn and help their Park District raise money for scholarships. The star-spangled run starts off on Lenox Road next to Lake Ellyn. A Freedom Four t-shirt is guaranteed to every pre-registered participant.

Molly Weber said:  Sign the whole family up for this fall race located at the Morton Arboretum. They have a special 'Kids Dash' which is designed for children as young as 2. The kids are broken up by age and the race distance ranges from 50 yards to half a mile. Jogging strollers are also permitted in the full 5K for those that want to run with their little ones!