Celebrating 35 Years of Community, Fitness, and Fun - Family 5K Race & Fun Run
Event: 35th Annual Grayslake Family 5K Race & Fun Run
Host: Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
Start Time: 8 AM CST
Location: Center Street & Seymour Avenue - Grayslake, Illinois
Join us for the 35th Annual Grayslake Family 5K & Fun Run on Saturday, July 11, a beloved community tradition hosted by the Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce. For more than three decades, this event has brought together runners, walkers, families, and neighbors to celebrate health, local pride, and community connection. Proceeds benefit student scholarships at local high schools.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best, walking with friends and family, or cheering from the sidelines, the Grayslake 5K is designed for all ages and ability levels making it one of Grayslake’s most anticipated annual events. We're so honored to welcome U.S. Olympian Jenny Spangler at this year's race. Jenny will be available for photos, autographs, and meet-and-greets on July 11.
Event Highlights
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Race shirts guaranteed for the first 300 pre-registered participants
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Post-race refreshments for all participants
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Professional ChampionChip timing for all 5K finishers
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Kids Fun Run includes shirts, ribbons, and refreshments
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Start & finish line on Center Street in downtown Grayslake
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Course map available at grayslakechamber.com
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Meet Olympic Marathon Trials Champion Jenny Spangler!
Special Guest: Olympian Jenny Spangler!
Meet 1996 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Champion Jenny Spangler at the Grayslake 5K on July 11. Jenny will be available for photos, autographs, and meet-and-greets. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet one of America’s most accomplished distance runners!
Course Information
The 5K course winds through the heart of downtown Grayslake, offering a scenic, energetic route supported by volunteers and local spectators. The course is clearly marked and designed to be enjoyable for both competitive runners, families, and casual participants. Course map is available to view here.
5K Run & Walk
Time: 8:00 AM CST
Distance: 5K (3.1 mIles)
Cost: Early bird through June 30 - $25/runner
July 1 - July 10 - $35/runner
Kids Fun Run
Time: 7:30 AM CST
Ages: 5–8
Distance: 2-block fun run
Cost: $10 per runner
All Kids Fun Run participants receive:
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Event t-shirt
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Participation ribbon
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Post-race refreshments
Kids get a sweet bonus too!
The first 30 kids to register will receive a FREE small cone coupon from The Freeze — and they can use it anytime!
NEW this year at the Grayslake 5K: A Grayslake-themed Photo Booth!
Snap a photo with Jenny Spangler, make a memory, and celebrate your race day with us. Just one more reason to smile on race day!
Awards
Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in each category. Overall award winners will receive a Fleet Feet gift certificate, generously provided by Fleet Feet.
Overall Awards will be given to:
Age Group Awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers in each of the following age divisions: 9 & under, 10–12, 13–15, 16–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, and 80 & over.
Registration fees are non-refundable. No rollerblades, skates, skateboards or pets.
Packet Pickup & In-Person Registration
Race packets may be picked up at the Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce office, located on the lower level of Grayslake Village Hall (10 S. Seymour Avenue, Grayslake, Illinois) or at Fleet Feet Libertyville (406 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, Illinois). Runners who pick up their race packets during packet pick up prior to July 11 will be entered into a drawing to win a Grayslake Aquatic Center daily pool pass.
Packet Pickup Dates & Times - Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce:
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Wednesday, July 8: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
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Thursday, July 9: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Friday, July 10: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Packet Pickup Dates & Times - Fleet Feet Libertyville:
- Thursday, July 9: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
In-person registration is available during packet pickup hours and on race day for $45/runner.
Thanks to our 5K sponsors:
Special thanks to our Family 5K Fun Run and Walk Gold Sponsors Affordable Interiors, Community Trust Credit Union, Fleet Feet, Grayslake Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy and Wellness, Northwestern Medicine Outpatient Grayslake, Old National Bank, and Orthodontic Specialists of Lake County. Thanks to our Silver Sponsors Doctors of Physical Therapy and Wisdom Teeth and Beyond Oral Surgery. Thanks to our Bronze Sponsors AKL Legal, McMahon Services, Noote Partners/Compass, and Savanna Design. We're honored to have Fleet Feet as our Official Athletic Retail Race Partner.