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The Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 5K/10K & Kids 1/2 Mile is hosted by the Cosley Foundation to support Cosley Zoo's exhibit development projects, public programs and conservation projects.

Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026

Time: 7:30A

Distance: 5K, 10K & Kids 1/2 Mile

Location: Downtown Wheaton

5K Race Registration: $35 early-bird pricing through 4/29, $40 beginning 4/30 through 6/5, and $45 on race day (6/6)

10K Race Registration: $40 early-bird pricing through 4/29, $45 beginning 4/30 through 6/5 and $50 on race day (6/6)

Kids 1/2 Mile Race Registration: $20 (ages 4-10) through 6/5, $25 on race day (6/6)

If you register for the 10K, you can opt to switch your registration to the 5K by emailing [email protected]. No refunds will be issued to switch from the 10K to the 5K. If you register for the 5K and opt to switch your registration to a 10K, you will be charged an additional $5 fee.

Please note that if you sign up for the virtual race, you are opting not to participate in person on June 6.

FEATURED IN 2026

• Course Record Award: Are you motivated to beat the Cosley Run for the Animals course records? Beat one of the course records below for your chance to win a free race registration for the 2027 event, a Dick Pond gift card, and bragging rights! Data was pulled from 1998 - present.

• 5K Male | 15:08 (2010)

• 5K Female | 17:42 (2025)

• 10K Male | 30:15 (2015)

• 10K Female | 37:10 (2005)

• Sub 7:00min/mi Corral: If you anticipate running a pace of 7:00min/mi or less, there will be a designated corral to ensure the race begins safely. Runners who begin in this corral will have a yellow bib. Only runners with yellow bibs will be able to start in this area.

• VOLUNTEER INCENTIVE: Volunteer with us! All volunteers will get a t-shirt, breakfast, and a Cream of Wheaton drink voucher.

Packet Pick-Up:

• Thursday, June 4 | 10A-7P | Location TBD

• Saturday, June 6 | 6:30 - 7:15A | Memorial Park (225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187)

Cantigny (pronounced "Can - Tee - Knee")

Cantigny is the former home of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, longtime editor, and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The 500-acre estate features gardens, the Robert R. McCormick Museum, the First Division Museum, and a 27-hole championship public golf course. 5K participants and their families are invited to explore and enjoy Cantigny.

Cantigny 5K Run/Walk 2025

The Cantigny 5K Run/Walk is a benefit for the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, and registrants may enjoy access to Cantigny for the rest of the afternoon.

The course tours the grounds of Cantigny and Cantigny Golf. Participants will run past Cantigny’s Gardens, the Robert R. McCormick House, and the First Division Museum. Please note that due to construction at Cantigny Golf, the course will be modified this year. Digital clocks or timers will be located at mile markers. Water stations will be set up at the halfway mark and at the start/finish line.

Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans

All proceeds from the Cantigny 5K Run/Walk will benefit the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton, IL. The shelter is a not-for-profit transitional living facility that provides assistance to U.S. veterans of any era, the opportunity to return to useful and productive lives by providing them with the skills for independent living.

Registration Fees

5K chip-timed race (price is for any runner or walker of any age who plans to participate)

$25 through July 1

$30 July 2 - September 19

$35 September 20 - October 15

$40 October 16 - October 17 (Must register in person)

1-Mile Run (non-chipped, for ages 6-10)

$5

1/4-Mile Run (non-chipped, for ages 0-5)

$5

Race Schedule

Friday, October 17, 2025

11 am - 7 pm: Early packet pick-up, Visitors Center

Saturday, October 18, 2025

7 am - 8:45 am: Packet Pick-up, Visitors Center

7:30 am – 12:30 pm: American Legion Pancake Breakfast

9 am: 5K Run/Walk Start

10 am: 5K Awards Ceremony, followed by 1-mile and ¼-mile runs

Your disposable timing chip will be included with your packet and attached to the back of your bib number.

The parking fee will be waived for registered participants picking up their packets.

Award Ceremony

At approximately 10 am, outside in the South Lot, near the finish line, the awards will be presented to the top three male and female overall finishers.

The top three male and female overall finishers for the 1-Mile and 1/4-Mile runs will also receive an award immediately following the end of each race.

Awards will be given only to registered runners with a valid chip. The official race results provided by Mattoon Multisport will be used for overall and age group rankings.

Parking

Ample free parking for race participants and volunteers is available close to the Visitors Center and the finish line, so participants can leave gear in their car.

Cantigny's Website

For further up-to-date information on the 5K Run/Walk or on Cantigny, please visit our website at Cantigny.org.

Volunteers

Volunteers are needed and welcome to assist with registration, packet pickup, refreshments, course marshals, and water stops. If you are interested, please contact Liz Omura at [email protected].

American Legion Pancake Breakfast

7:30 am – 12:30 pm in Le Jardin

$12 (ages 13 and up)

$5 (ages 5 – 12)

Free for children 4 and under

Tickets to the pancake breakfast may be purchased during packet pick up on October 18th at a discounted rate of $10 per adult.

Additional Information

For additional event information, visit Cantigny.org, email Brian Gray at [email protected], or by phone during regular office hours at 630.260.8167.

Bicycles, Strollers, Etc.

Bicycles, in-line skates, roller skates, scooters, other wheeled vehicles (except wheelchairs), and dogs are not allowed on the course, will not be allowed through the finish chutes, and will not be included in the results. Runners with baby strollers may not run competitively and must start after and remain behind runners for the entire race.

It’s the most wonderful run of the year! The 15th annual Lions Charities Reindeer Run 5K is bringing festive fun to town. Grab your Santa hats, dust off those antlers and jingle bells, and get ready to Run, Run, Rudolph! Bring your friends, family, and holiday cheer for a morning full of holly jolly joy. Presented in partnership by Wheaton Park District and Lions Club Charities, we welcome participants to walk, jog, or run – just don’t miss the fun!

This is a chip-timed race. Overall winners and individual age category winners are determined by chip time. The top overall winners will be announced immediately following the race. All other age category winners will be contact by email after the race.

All participants will receive giveaway items and post-race refreshments.

RACE DETAILS

• Saturday, December 5 | 8:30A | Downtown Wheaton

• Virtual Race | Run on your own time and submit race results between December 5-14

PRICING DETAILS

• Early Bird Registration is $35.00 through November 4

• Registration is $40.00 from November 5 through December 4

• Registration is $45.00 on Race Day, December 5

Race registration is nonrefundable.

PACKET PICKUP

• Thursday, December 3 | 10A - 7P | Ray Morrill Community Center (1777 S. Blanchard St., Wheaton)

• Saturday, December 5 | 7:30 - 8:15A | DuPage County History Museum (102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton)