Skip to main content

More races nearby

  • Distance: 5.5 km from Ottawa
    Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Runway to a Cure 5K

    Saturday, September 19 • Skydive Chicago • Ottawa, Illinois

    Packet Pick-up 7:00am • Race Starts 8:00am

    Join us for Runway to a Cure, a one-of-a-kind 5K run and walk held directly on the runway at Skydive Chicago—bringing our community together to raise meaningful support for cancer research and honor the strength of survivors, fighters, and the loved ones we carry with us.

    This powerful event was inspired by a personal journey through cancer treatment and the extraordinary care received at Northwestern Medicine. Runway to a Cure transforms gratitude into action, creating an unforgettable experience where every step taken on the runway helps move us closer to a cure.

    What to Expect

    A unique runway-based 5K course open to runners and walkers of all ages

    A moving Survivor Recognition Lap to celebrate courage and resilience

    Skydiver flag landing ceremony honoring those impacted by cancer

    Family-friendly atmosphere with music, community sponsors, and activities

    Raffles, silent auction, and post-race celebration at JumpRun Café

    Whether you’re running for someone you love, celebrating survivorship, or simply supporting the cause, your participation makes a difference.

    Our Mission

    All proceeds from Runway to a Cure support ongoing cancer research, helping advance treatments, improve outcomes, and bring hope to families facing cancer today and in the future.

    Together, we run with purpose.

    Together, we run toward a cure.

    See full details
    1k5kRunWalk via RunSignup
  • Distance: 8.1 km from Ottawa
    Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Midwest OCR - Built by Racers, for Racers

    Midwest OCR is proudly brought to you by Race Ready Obstacles, the expert obstacle builders who have been behind some of the biggest names in OCR, including OCRWC, Frontline OCR, Abominable Snow Race and many more. Known for crafting high-quality, challenging courses nationwide, we're excited to bring a championship-level experience to you at Midwest OCR.

    As a veteran-owned and operated event, we believe in building not just a race, but a community, and a challenge worth conquering.

    Whether you're tackling your very first obstacle course race for fun or you're a seasoned OCR veteran chasing your next big challenge, Midwest OCR has something for you. Our course is packed with obstacles ranging from super approachable to brutally tough, all laid out across a rugged landscape of hills, cliffs, ravines, creeks, and beautiful wooded trails.

    Every racer will earn:

    • A custom Midwest OCR Finisher's Shirt

    • An Epic Finisher's Medal

    • Professional Action Shot Photos (no extra cost!)

    • And of course, bragging rights for life

    No hidden fees at checkout. No surprise processing, insurance, or "mandatory" add-ons. What you see is what you pay.

    The earlier you sign up, the more money you save. Lock in your spot today!

    Race Categories:

    10K Elite / Elite Masters/ Competitive Age Group - 10K (6.2 Miles) 30+ Obstacles - Overall Top 3 M/F receive podium awards and a cash prize. Top 3 M/F in respective Age Groups receive podium awards.

    This is a mandatory obstacle completion race. In order to be eligible for a podium, racers must successfully complete all obstacles and finish the race within 3 hours. Racers get unlimited attempts at obstacles. Failure to complete an obstacle only takes you out of podium contention. You still go on to finish the race and earn your medal and finisher's shirt.

    The Bearded Challenge - (THREE laps of the10K loop) - Overall Top 3 M/F receive podium awards. In order to be eligible for a podium, racers must successfully complete all obstacles through a minimum of two laps. Your first 10K lap will earn you the main finisher's medal. Laps #2 and #3 will earn you additional medal pieces that will connect to your main medal. All racers receive medals regardless of obstacle completion. There will be a 6 hour limit: 9am - 3pm. Racers MUST start their last lap by 1:00pm and back in the festival area by 3:00pm.

    5K / 10K Open / Fun Run (Non-Competitive) - 5K (3.1 Miles) 20+ Obstacles or 10K (6.2 Miles) 30+ Obstacles - Grab your friends and family and go out there and have some fun. You can run, walk or crawl, just get to the finish line! All obstacles are OPTIONAL. We just want you to do your best and most importantly, HAVE FUN!!! TEAMWORK is highly encouraged! If you're racing alone, don't worry, you'll make friends along the way. Children ages 10-13 may run/walk alongside a parent/guardian, and kids 14 and up may run the course on their own. All racers receive a finisher's medal, shirt and professional action shot photos.

    Ruck Division (Non-Competitive) - Ruck participants may choose to ruck either the 5K or 10K course. Bring your own ruck (backpack and weights). Recommended weight: 20lbs - Women, 30lbs - Men. Crawls and carries are to be completed, but all other obstacles are OPTIONAL. Ruck participants receive a ruck patch, along with their finisher's medal and shirt.

    Kid's Course - The kid's course will feature 10+ obstacles around a 1/4 - 1/2 mile loop. This is perfect for those younger kiddos, ages 11 and under, to join in on the fun! Parents may help their kiddos along the course. The kid's course is not timed, and children may run the course multiple times if they would like. Kid's receive a sweet finisher's medal and shirt.

    Awards:

    10K ELITE: OVERALL TOP 3 M/F win CASH + additional podium awards.

    10K ELITE MASTERS: TOP 3 M/F (40+ yrs old) receive additional podium awards.

    10K COMPETITIVE AGE GROUP: TOP 3 M/F in each Age Group receive additional podium awards.

    Age Groups : Under 20, 20-24, 24-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60+

    THE BEARDED CHALLENGE: OVERALL TOP 3 M/F finishers receive additional podium awards. Top male and female will also be awarded a cash prize.

    Volunteer!

    Volunteers receive awesome perks, including ways to earn a free race entry! Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring a great racer experience by helping manage obstacle stations, the finish line and other areas to assist participants. Complete a full shift on RACE DAY and then afterwards have fun running the course with other volunteers. Volunteers are also needed during race week and after the race to help with set up and/or clean up. Completing ONE 6-HR shift on RACE DAY or a shift during the tear-down will earn you a FREE race entry or by completing TWO 5-HR shifts during build week. Shifts can be split up between two days or completed all in one day. Click the volunteer tab for more info and if you have questions, please reach out to us.

    Parking:

    General Parking is located at 4 Star Campground (Address: 2776 E 2625th Rd Unit 2048, Marseilles, IL 61341), just 2 miles from the race venue. Parking is $10 Cash. Pay at time of parking. There will be a shuttle bus running from 6:30am - 3pm.

    VIP Parking is $25 and is located on-site. It is Pre-Paid ONLY, due to space availability. VIP Parking is paid when you register for the event and is on a first come, first served basis. If you do not see the option to add VIP Parking during registration, that means the spaces have already been filled and you need to plan to park off-site at the General Parking location. VIP Spots go quickly, so if you want to park on-site, you need to sign up very early.

    See full details
    3.1 Miles6.2 Miles10kFun RunRunTrailWalk via RunSignup
  • Distance: 5.3 km from Ottawa
    Sun, Sep 27, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Join LaSalle County Sheriff's Office for an exciting morning of fitness and community at the Run the River for Respect 5K , happening on September 27, 2026 at the beautiful Heritage Harbor in Ottawa, IL! Lace up your running shoes and prepare to challenge yourself in this officially timed 5K race, designed for everyone from casual joggers to serious competitors.

    Event Details:

    • Date: September 27, 2026

    • Time: Race starts at 8 AM. In-person registration from 7:45 AM to 8:45 AM.

    • Location: Heritage Harbor, Ottawa, IL

    Registration Fees:

    • $30 if you register before August 27th

    • $35 for registrations after August 27th

    • $40 after September 12th

    • $45 Day of event

    T-shirts: Be one of the lucky ones! Register by September 12th to guarantee your exclusive race t-shirt.

    Why Run? All proceeds from this fun-filled event will benefit Special Olympics Illinois, supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities and empowering them to achieve excellence in sports.

    Whether you’re sprinting to a personal best, jogging with friends, or walking at your own pace, this race offers something for everyone! Enjoy scenic route.

    Serious runners will appreciate the timed element of the race, giving you the chance to track your performance and compete for your best time in a supportive environment!

    Don’t miss out on an incredible day of camaraderie, fun, and respect for all. Bring your friends, family, and sense of adventure—let's run the river together for a great cause!

    Sign up today and be part of an unforgettable experience!

    See full details
    5kRunWalk via RunSignup
  • Heritage Harbor, 411 Great Loop E Dr, Ottawa, Illinois, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps
    Distance: 5.2 km from Ottawa
    Every Saturday at 9:00 AM

    parkrun is such a simple concept: turn up every Saturday and volunteer, walk, jog or run 5k.

    5kparkrunRun via Parkrun
More races nearby →
Like Wikipedia, anyone can contribute. Sign up to add your local events.