SSW Running Club Club Challenge 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.

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

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!!

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.

Tails on the Trail 5K & 1-Mile Wag & Walk along the Old Plank Road Trail, bringing our community together for a fun, inclusive event benefiting the animals of South Suburban Humane Society.

Participants can choose between two ways to take part:

• Tails on the Trail 5K- a professionally timed 5K for runners looking for an accurate, high-quality race experience.

• 1-Mile Wag & Walk- a relaxed, accessible walk designed for participants of all abilities, families, and friendly, leashed pets.

Whether you’re racing for a personal best or strolling alongside your four-legged friend, every step supports pets in need. Registration includes entry into either the 5K or the Wag & Walk, allowing participants to choose the experience that best fits their pace and comfort level.

Proceeds from the event help provide lifesaving care for animals at South Suburban Humane Society, including medical treatment, spay/neuter services, food, and daily care while pets await loving homes.

Join us on the trail to walk, run, and wag your way toward second chances, because every step brings hope.