Chicago Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10K & Hot Cider Hustle 5K

For more than four decades, runners of all levels and abilities have been raising money to support Lincoln Park Zoo with Run for the Zoo, now in its 48th year! The race route is suitable for all experience levels and features a flat, scenic route that winds in and around the zoo, allowing for beautiful views of Chicago’s skyline, Lake Michigan, protected natural areas, and zoo habitats.

All participants receive:

• Tech-blend shirt with 2026 animal theme

• Special edition finisher medal

• Digital swag bag

• Access to the post-race party

• (Wildlife Warriors only) Bonus piece of merch with 2026 animal theme

• (Kids’ Course participants only) Kids’ Course T-shirt and medal

• (Volunteers only) Crew T-shirt with 2026 animal theme

It costs $108,000 a day to fund Lincoln Park Zoo operations—everything from state-of-the-art animal care and global conservation work to interactive learning programs and groundbreaking scientific research. More than 80% of that operating cost is funded by memberships, donations, guest visits, and events like Run for the Zoo. Your participation helps keep Lincoln Park Zoo free and open to all, 365 days a year!

Four beers. One mile.

The Chicago Beer Mile will take place on Friday June 5th.

Drink, Run, Drink, Repeat! This is a one-mile fun run for runners who enjoy beers. Drink a beer, run/walk/jog (or skip, crawl, whatever you want) your way a quarter mile around the track, and repeat three more times.

There will be opportunities for those who do not wish to consume beer. We will have a Chocolate Milk Mile followed by a Non Alcoholic Beer Mile.

Volunteers are also needed.

Races will begin at 6:00 pm. A final schedule of events will be posted on June 5th. Each race will have 4-14 entries. The event will conclude with two sections of elite Beer Milers. The event will be capped at 200 entries.

There will be prize money for the top three men and women. $500 for 1st place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place. In order to be eligible for the prize money, you must compete in the elite section of the beer mile. To request entry into the elite heat, email [email protected]. You must be in the elite heat to win prize money.

Schedule(subject to change)

6:00 PM- Women's Beer Mile

6:30 PM- Men's Beer Mile Section 1

6:55 PM- Men's Beer Mile Section 2

7:20 PM- Co-Ed Non Alcoholic Beer Mile

7:45 PM- Elite Women Beer Mile

8:10 PM- Elite Men Beer Mile

Beer Mile Official Rules

1.Each competitor drinks four cans or bottles of beer and runs four laps around a standard 400m running track (start with chugging a beer, then run a lap, then beer, then lap, then beer, then lap, then beer, then lap - finish).

2. Beer must be consumed before the lap begins within the transition area. The transition area is the 9-meter zone between the waterfall starting line for a mile race and the finish line of a 400m track.

3.The race begins with competitors lined up on the mile starting line, drinking the first beer in the transition zone described in the step above. This ensures competitors cover a complete mile. Competitors can walk/move in the transition area while drinking, but all beer must be consumed in the transition area before setting off to run a lap.

4. Women also drink four beers and run four laps (some past rule lists only required ladies to drink three beers).

5. Competitors must drink canned or bottled beer that is no less than 355mL (12 Oz) in volume, which is the standard can/bottle size in the USA and some other countries.

6. No specialized cans or bottles may be used that give an advantage by allowing the beer to pour at a faster rate (e.g. wide mouth bottles/cans).

Beer cans must not be tampered with in any manner. (e.g. no shotgunning, puncturing the can, squeezing the can, etc.). The same applies for bottles - no straws or other aids allowed that speed up the pouring process. The only action allowed is opening the can with the tab at the top or twisting off the bottle cap of a bottle.

7. Beer must be a minimum of 5% alcohol by volume. Hard ciders, hard sodas, and other alcoholic sugary drinks will not suffice. The beer must be a fermented alcoholic beverage brewed from malted cereal grains and flavored with hops.

8. Each beer can/bottle must not be opened until the competitor enters the transition zone on each lap.

9. Competitors who vomit before they finish the race must complete one penalty lap at the end of the race (immediately after the completion of their 4th lap). Vomiting more than once during the race still only requires one penalty lap at the end.

10. When attempting a performance for the official records, it is recommended to provide video evidence of the race and prove that all beer was sufficiently drank. This can be achieved by tipping the empty beer over your head after each chug to verify an empty vessel or by collecting the containers and pouring the contents into a measuring cup to prove there is less than 4oz of liquid/foam remaining total across all four beers. We recommend picking up a pack of disposable measuring cups for your next beer mile event.

Every competitor MUST be over 21 years of age. Designated drivers or use of public transportation is highly encouraged. Identification will be checked at packet pickup.

The Steamboat Classic Presented by PNC is Central Illinois’ premier running experience ~ 51 years strong!

But it’s more than a race—it’s your community event.

Whether this is your first time or you’re going for your best time, one of the Steamboat Classic Presented by PNC events is perfect for you!

REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY 6/5 @ 8:00 PM

PAY WHAT YOU CAN

Together with RC Outfitters

In the Spirit of Trust & Honor:

NAME YOUR PRICE on the DONATION PAGE

No one should be denied the opportunity to run based on their financial circumstance.

SC415 is excited to partner with RC Outfitters to offer a Pay What You Can entry, allowing underserved runners the ability to choose their registration fee based on their budget.

Together with RC Outfitters, SC415 is making this a start line for the entire community.

PAY WHAT YOU CAN

SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR

DIAMOND SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

🎀 Join the Fight: Breast Cancer Run! 🎀

Together, we can raise awareness and funds to support those affected by breast cancer.

Enjoy a spirited day filled with community, inspiration, and hope. Let’s unite for a cause that touches us all and run for a future without breast cancer! Sign up now and help us make a lasting impact!

Overview:

Run will sell-out QUICK! We will close off waves the moment they fill up. If waves are sold out, you can sign-up for the virtual run option or wait list.

This is a smaller, private group run with a cap per wave.

All paces and ages (under 18 with guardian) are welcome - Run or Walk!

There's no equipment or setup, this is a pure run with our coordinators to support you in a warm, stress-free setting!

When you sign-up, we give you the support you need to help you achieve your goals and fitness. We also invite you to be part of our local run clubs that supports your fitness journey.

Timing:

• Timing is Optional: You may track your time on an app (Strava, RunKeeper, Nike Run, etc) and submit your times with our easy form to be posted online. Or you can ask our coordinators to help keep track of your time.

• No timing chips (This is a stress free run to support you in achieving your goals)!

What You Get (Swag Bag):

• Running T-Shirt (Shipped to the address you register with - US only)

• Finisher's Towel or Giveaway

• Finisher's Medal!

• Digital Training Pack

• Online Results & Certificate of Completion

• Invitation to Join one of our Local Running Clubs

• We now have Technical Running Shirts (Optional). These lightweight, moisture wicking shirts can be upgraded for just $5 more.

Packet Pickup:

No hassle of picking up packets required!

-Swag shipped direct to your address (Please make sure you provide your full, correct US mailing address including apartment number and check spelling)

• Race bibs are provided on race day

When will I get my Swag?

You will get your shirt at your mailing address the week of your race.

Race Updates:

We will email you a final update the Wednesday before the race with final details and course maps.

Do you accept last minute registrations? (For those signing up 2 weeks before the race)

Yes, but please note that it takes time for us to ship your shirt. Your shirt will likely arrive after the run. You can wear any shirt you find appropriate to run the race!

Wave Times: (Email Us Your Desired Wave Time: [email protected])

(Waves filled on a First Come, First Serve Basis)

Wave A: 7:30AM

Wave B: 8:00AM

Wave C: 8:30AM

Late runners can run upon arrival (Please note our coordinators stay 3 hours after the first wave)

Are there any other Questions we missed?

https://www.thebestraces.com/faq/

Virtual Run Option:

• Our Virtual Run uniquely offers a Training Pack with Digital Tools to support your run.

Virtual runs can be done any time and place of your choosing using any tracking device (optional). After you finish, you can submit your results to [email protected] to receive your medal!

Race Bundle:

Sign-up for more races and get a discount!

Sponsorships & Promoting your Business:

If you're looking to become a sponsor, we'd love showcase your business!

https://www.thebestraces.com/events

Team Glo Volunteers:

If you're interested in helping put on runs for the Community and helping people achieve their goals, we invite you to join our team of volunteers, fill out the form here: https://www.thebestraces.com/volunteer-form/

Be part of the Journey!

Our Charity Initiatives. Find out more @ www.thebestracesjourney.com

Keep running. Every mile you log after the race, we'll donate $1 to one of the charities we work with! (Note that Fundraising is Optional)

🦸‍♀️🦹‍♀️ Superheroes don't always wear capes but when they do, they run and walk! 🦸‍♂️🦹‍♂️

Everyone is a superhero in their own way. From all the moms out there, to our front line workers, to even just those who are simply a friend to someone else. So for every superhero out there (that includes YOU), You make a Difference and we celebrate that with a fun run!

Overview:

Run will sell-out QUICK! We will close off waves the moment they fill up. If waves are sold out, you can sign-up for the virtual run option or wait list.

This is a smaller, private group run with a cap per wave.

All paces and ages (under 18 with guardian) are welcome - Run or Walk!

There's no equipment or setup, this is a pure run with our coordinators to support you in a warm, stress-free setting!

When you sign-up, we give you the support you need to help you achieve your goals and fitness. We also invite you to be part of our local run clubs that supports your fitness journey.

Timing:

• Timing is Optional: You may track your time on an app (Strava, RunKeeper, Nike Run, etc) and submit your times with our easy form to be posted online. Or you can ask our coordinators to help keep track of your time.

• No timing chips (This is a stress free run to support you in achieving your goals)!

What You Get (Swag Bag):

• Running T-Shirt (Shipped to the address you register with - US only)

• Finisher's Towel or Giveaway

• Finisher's Medal!

• Digital Training Pack

• Online Results & Certificate of Completion

• Invitation to Join one of our Local Running Clubs

• We now have Technical Running Shirts (Optional). These lightweight, moisture wicking shirts can be upgraded for just $5 more.

Packet Pickup:

No hassle of picking up packets required!

-Swag shipped direct to your address (Please make sure you provide your full, correct US mailing address including apartment number and check spelling)

• Race bibs are provided on race day

When will I get my Swag?

You will get your shirt at your mailing address the week of your race.

Race Updates:

We will email you a final update the Wednesday before the race with final details and course maps.

Do you accept last minute registrations? (For those signing up 2 weeks before the race)

Yes, but please note that it takes time for us to ship your shirt. Your shirt will likely arrive after the run. You can wear any shirt you find appropriate to run the race!

Wave Times: (Email Us Your Desired Wave Time: [email protected])

(Waves filled on a First Come, First Serve Basis)

Wave A: 7:30AM

Wave B: 8:00AM

Wave C: 8:30AM

Late runners can run upon arrival (Please note our coordinators stay 3 hours after the first wave)

Are there any other Questions we missed?

https://www.thebestraces.com/faq/

Virtual Run Option:

• Our Virtual Run uniquely offers a Training Pack with Digital Tools to support your run.

Virtual runs can be done any time and place of your choosing using any tracking device (optional). After you finish, you can submit your results to [email protected] to receive your medal!

Race Bundle:

Sign-up for more races and get a discount!

Sponsorships & Promoting your Business:

If you're looking to become a sponsor, we'd love showcase your business!

https://www.thebestraces.com/events

Team Glo Volunteers:

If you're interested in helping put on runs for the Community and helping people achieve their goals, we invite you to join our team of volunteers, fill out the form here: https://www.thebestraces.com/volunteer-form/

Be part of the Journey!

Our Charity Initiatives. Find out more @ www.thebestracesjourney.com

Keep running. Every mile you log after the race, we'll donate $1 to one of the charities we work with! (Note that Fundraising is Optional)