Valentine's Day Spirits Run 5k

In the 1980's the Park Forest Running and Pancake Club held their annual progressive marathon by adding up four separate "races" with the Park Forest Scenic 10 to have a Marathon time.

In keeping with that tradition, we will be hosting a series of "races" at the Vollmer Trails, then adding those times to your finish time at the Flossmoor Hidden Gem Half Marathon.

Come to the Flossmoor Entrance of the Vollmer Trail and run a 3.275 mile race four times.

Dates will be published soon.

After the Hidden Gem, we will tabulate the results and award the top three finishers. If there are enough participants, we will award age group awards.

What is it?

The GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge is a 5k fun run, 1-mile walk, or other fitness format — that brings people together to raise awareness, acknowledge, and support the challenges in the Down syndrome community.

Taking place at all our Playhouse locations across the country, the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge is GiGi’s Playhouse largest peer-to-peer fundraiser and a fun and inclusive fitness event that the entire community can attend!

When is it?

From March 15th – June 29th, 55+ GiGi’s Playhouse locations will host their own GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge events in their communities.

Don’t have a Playhouse near you? No problem! Our Virtual Playhouse hosts its own Virtual GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge from May 1st to May 30th!

Why should I participate?

The money we raise from our GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge events directly funds the 340,000 hours of FREE educational, therapeutic, and career development programming GiGi’s Playhouse provides to our participants and families a year.

Beyond this, our GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge events give entire communities the opportunity to come together with the Down syndrome community to embrace differences, foster inclusivity, and create a more ACCEPTING world!

Register here!!

The movement continues—and it’s growing!

Join us for the 2nd Annual 1911 Initiative 5K Scholarship Run/Walk, where every mile you move helps us go the distance for college-bound students. Hosted in partnership with the Village of Matteson, this race is all about purpose, progress, and community pride.

We’re proud to share that we’ve already registered over 100 runners and walkers, with a bold goal of 1,000 participants for 2026!

Remember, we don't receive huge corporate dollars to do what we do. We are a grassroots organization and are funded by everyday people like YOU. Your support directly funds scholarships and paid internships, helping deserving young people prepare for brighter futures.

👟 Ran with us last year?

Bring a friend—or five!

If you refer 5 people who register for the race, you’ll receive a $20 refund on your own registration fee. It’s a great way to save, run with your crew, and grow the impact of this year’s event!

🔥 Don’t Wait—Register Today!

Lock in your spot, represent your team, and get ready for a day of purpose, celebration, and connection. Whether you walk, jog, or sprint across that finish line—you’re part of something bigger.

👉 Learn more at www.1911initiative.org

WE NEED YOU!!!!

INDIVIDUAL WALKERS OR FUNDRAISING TEAMS!

SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026 @ 8:00am -11am

Outdoor walk/run rain or shine along the ridge of the LAKE FRONT to support Brain Tumor/Cancer Patients, Scholarships & Research

(Enter off East 39th Street Oakwood Ave. to enter the Parking Lot)

EVENT TENTATIVE AGENDA:

6:30 am - 7:30 am Vendor Set up

7:30 am - 8:00am Vendor Booths & Registration opens

8:15 am Presentations

8:30 am Walk Start

10:30 am Entertainment

10:45 am Honor/Memory Ceremony

*Event typically concludes ~11:30am/12pm

Vendors open throughout the event

$40 For Chipped Timed Run/Walk, T-shirt & Finisher Medals

Placement Medals & Team Prizes

Price Increase April 1st $45, June 1st $50, ONSITE REGISTRATION $55

T-shirt sizes guaranteed until June 1, 2026

Additional Event Features:

Health & Business Vendors

Family Friendly Music & Entertainment

Balloon Release

Register early to qualify for Special Raffle Prizes*

*1st Tier Prize Qualifier if registered by April 1st Then 2nd Tier Prize Qualifier if Registered by May 31st

5K TEAM PRIZES - Our teams successfully raise thousands of dollars towards financial assistance, research & grants annually. Visit www.maryesmithfoundation.org to view & donate directly to one of our 2026 Gray Matters Fundraising Teams

TOP FUNDRAISING TEAM AWARD Announced @ the event

LARGEST MEMBER TEAM AWARD Announced @ the event

A portion of proceeds will benefit both National Brain Tumor Society & MESF Scholars

To SPONSOR or DONATE as a BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION or VOLUNTEER Visit the link Sponsors/Vendors/Donors/Volunteers

If you want more information on starting a FUNDRAISING TEAM, please Email us at [email protected]

WE NEED YOU to participate! Run or walk a 5K to support the fight against brain tumors! YOUR GRAY MATTERS so ACT TODAY!

Veterans Liberty Run & Walk

Sprint, jog or walk the 1 or 2 mile course through beautiful Centennial Park. All participants receive a dri-fit race shirt, a USA hand flag, a pass for *one free admission to the Centennial Park Aquatic Center, post-race refreshments and entry into a prize raffle. Awards to the top overall male and female finisher and the top three male and female finishers in each age group, (9U, 10-14, 15-19, ...., 60-64, 65-69, 70+). A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local veterans organizations. Race packet pick-up: June 28 – July 3 at Human Race (15148 S. LaGrange Rd). Onsite registration and packet pick-up for those not yet picked up begins at 5:30P on July 3 at the race site.

*Good for one free admission on one day only: July 5, 6, 7, or 8, 2026.

Kid’s Run for Fun – 50 Yard Dash

Cheer on our youngest participants in the 50 yard, everyone wins, dash! Pre-registration is not required for this free event. The dash will begin at approximately 7:30P. Medals to all participants. All ages welcome.