SSW Running Club Club Challenge 5k

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.

Kids are welcome to join! Bring the whole family!

There will be a race lead on bike for runners & walkers.

We will provide beverages before the race and also at the water station

at the halfway point for participants. We will provide orange paper cups for water and purple paper cups for sports drinks.

We will also provide a complimentary gear check for all participants.

There will be distance markers at every half mile of the race to indicate where you are.

We will give a quick announcement then a warmup stretches starting at 8:30am.

We will have packet pick Thursday 9/18 4pm - 7pm & Friday 9am - 12pm

Pick up location is 13307 Olde Western Ave St, Blue Island, IL 60406.

If you can not make this day, you may pick up your packet the day of the event at 8am.

After the race is completed, we will announce awards and prizes.

Race Rules:

NO bikes, skates or scooters.

Strollers are permitted but will start with the walkers, not runners.

Wheelchairs are also permitted and will begin with the walkers.

This race will be a chip-timed event.

We will also display times on our race website the following day, be sure to check out your time!

Our timing company will be using RFID Bib Chips which will need to be worn on the front of your torso.

Awards:

First, second & third placed by a male will receive an award.

First, second & third placed by a female will receive an award.

Overall winner will receive a prize.

Parking instructions for 5K event

VOLUNTEERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST YOU

THE PARKING FOR OUR 5K EVENT WILL ONCE AGAIN BE UNDER THE WESTERN AVE BRIDGE OFF BROADWAY RD BETWEEN OLDE WESTERN AND REXFORD DR. WHEN APROACHING FROM ETHER OLDE WESTERN FROM THE WEST OR FROM ASHALND AVE FROM THE EAST PLEASE PROCEED TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE BRIDGE WHERE VOLUNTEERS WILL BE ON HAND TO DIRECT YOU IN PARKING. BE ADVISED THAT THERE MAY BE SOME PARKING ON SIDE STREETS SURRINDING THE GUILDHAUS BUT PLEASE PAY ATTION TO ANY RESCRICTIONS THAT ARE IN PLACE. PLEASE BE SAFE AND COURTIOUS LET US HELP YOU.

Refund Policy:

There will no refunds for this event.

If this event is canceled, you will receive an email notification with information to reschedule.

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to reach out to Angela, event coordinator by email or phone

[email protected] or 708-385-3228 ext. 102.

Sunday, September 20th, 2026, 9:00 am

6K Run (3.71 miles)

2Km Walk (1.2 miles)

Vollmer Road Trails, Olympia Fields, Illinois

Join us for the annual St. Veronica 6k run for scholarships, which will take place on the 6k loop of the Cook County Forest Preserve Vollmer Grove Trail. This event is being held to support the St. Veronica Kwanzaa Ministry Scholarship program. People of all ages are welcome to participate in this family-friendly event by running or walking their way to help our ministry reach its goal. The race starts at 9:00 am and will take place on the trails at Vollmer Grove. So, if you're ready to take on the challenge, tie up your running shoes and get ready to run!

• What is included with your race entry:

• A first-class running experience

• Chip-timing for accurate results

• A totally set-up and well-marked course

• One-of-a-kind Prizes and Race Swag

• Early Bird Registration: Anyone who registers by September 18, 2026, will receive a complimentary St. Veronica 6k Run/Walk for Scholarships T-shirt.

• Race Day Registration: Feel free register between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. on race day. $40 per participant (t-shirt not guaranteed)

Start Times: 9:00 am

Race Options:

6K Run: Timed event for competitive runners

2K Walk: Perfect for all ages and fitness levels

Packet Pickup: Will take place on race day at the start area at 8:00 am.

Course Type: Paved Trail

Stroller friendly? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes (On a Leash)

Transportation: Parking is available at the start area. An overflow lot is available off Flossmoor Road, approximately 1 mile from the start of the event. If you park at the Flossmoor Road Lot, turn left to enter the trails. The Olympia Fields Metra station, located on the Metra Electric line, is approximately 2 Miles from the start area.

Awards: We will award medals to the top three overall finishers and the top three in the following age groups: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+. Awards will be presented at approximately 10:15 am.

The course time limit is 90 minutes.

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