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Date:
Sun, May 31, 2026 at 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location:
2300 N Cannon Drive
Chicago, Illinois
60614
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Links:
runsignup.com
Tags:
10k 15k 5k Run

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!

More races nearby

  • 5k for Earth Day [runsignup.com]

    Sun, Apr 19, 2026 at 9:00 AM

    Description

    This Earth Day weekend, Humboldt Park becomes a place of action, not just awareness.

    Rooted in collaboration with the Humboldt Park Advisory Council, the Humboldt Park Earth Day Committee, and NVIRO,...

    This Earth Day weekend, Humboldt Park becomes a place of action, not just awareness.

    Rooted in collaboration with the Humboldt Park Advisory Council, the Humboldt Park Earth Day Committee, and NVIRO, the weekend brings together residents from across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs for a shared celebration of community, sustainability, and movement.

    The 5K for Earth Day is the culmination of a two day, Earth Day focused weekend centered on care for the land and forward momentum.

    Day one is about restoration.

    Plant a tree. Clean the park. Give back to the land.

    Day two is about momentum.

    Cross the finish line together.

    After a 13 year hiatus, the 5K for Earth Day returns not out of tradition, but out of responsibility. A responsibility to bring people together around the environment, movement, and community, and to remind us that local action still matters.

    Set within one of Chicago’s most iconic green spaces, the race welcomes runners, joggers, walkers, families, and first timers alike. Participation matters more than pace.

    The weekend begins Saturday, April 18, with park wide cleanup and restoration at the Humboldt Park Fieldhouse and concludes Sunday, April 19, at the boathouse as participants cross the finish line together for the return of the annual 5K for Earth Day.

    This is more than a race.

    It’s a shared moment to reconnect with the city, the planet, and each other.

    What to expect:

    • A clearly marked 5K course through Humboldt Park

    • An inclusive atmosphere for all ages and abilities

    • A weekend centered on environmental action

    Come show up for the planet.

    Come move your body.

    Come be part of an Earth Day weekend that ends with momentum.

    Register today and help turn intention into action.

    5.6 km from Chicago
    1440 N. Humboldt Blvd, Chicago, Illinois, 60622, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k 3.5 Miles Run Walk

  • SBM Stride for Science [sbm.org] [Register at raceroster.com]

    Thu, Apr 23, 2026 at 6:30 AM

    Description

    SBM Stride for Science Run/Walk

    Thursday, April 23, 2026

    6:30 a.m. Start

    Grant Park (Corner of E. Balbo Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago)


    Registration Information

    Registration is now...

    SBM Stride for Science Run/Walk

    Thursday, April 23, 2026

    6:30 a.m. Start

    Grant Park (Corner of E. Balbo Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago)


    Registration Information

    Registration is now open! You may register online here or through the Annual Meeting registration form. A minimum $40 donation guarantees a run/walk shirt, sunglasses, and race bib. All proceeds support postdoctoral research through SBM's Bridging the Gap Research Award.

    5.3 km from Chicago • Grant Park, Chicago, IL
    Chicago, Illinois, 60601, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k Run Walk

  • Coffee Lovers Run 5K/10K/13.1 CHICAGO/EVANSTON [thebestraces.com] [Register at runsignup.com]

    Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 7:30 AM

    Description

    ☕️For all the Coffee Lovers, this run is for you!

    You’ll love the shirt we send you. Set a goal, bring a friend, and join this super fun 5K/10K/13.1 Half-Marathon!

    Overview:

    Run will sell-out QUICK!...

    ☕️For all the Coffee Lovers, this run is for you!

    You’ll love the shirt we send you. Set a goal, bring a friend, and join this super fun 5K/10K/13.1 Half-Marathon!

    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: info@thebestraces.com)

    (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 info@thebestraces.com 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)

    5.3 km from Chicago
    Chicago, Illinois, 60640, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    1 Miles 5k 10k 13.1 Miles Run Virtual Walk

  • Run for Donuts 5K/10K/13.1 CHICAGO/EVANSTON [thebestraces.com] [Register at runsignup.com]

    Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 7:30 AM

    Description

    🍩🏃‍♂️🍩🏃‍♂️🍩🏃‍♂️

    Running for donuts is worth the pain. You'll get a run for donuts shirt to show off what you run for.

    Get ready for a sweet race! Gather your friends and lace up for our annual Donut...

    🍩🏃‍♂️🍩🏃‍♂️🍩🏃‍♂️

    Running for donuts is worth the pain. You'll get a run for donuts shirt to show off what you run for.

    Get ready for a sweet race! Gather your friends and lace up for our annual Donut Run, where you’ll run a beautiful course and be greeted at the Finish Line with... donuts! Enjoy a fun-filled day of running, laughter, and Community.

    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: info@thebestraces.com)

    (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 info@thebestraces.com 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)

    5.3 km from Chicago
    Chicago, Illinois, 60640, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    1 Miles 5k 10k 13.1 Miles Run Virtual Walk

  • Tillman Honor Runs [alumni.asu.edu] [Register at raceroster.com]

    Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 9:00 AM

    Description

    The ASU Alumni Association, in support of the Pat Tillman Foundation, is proud to coordinate Tillman Honor Runs, hosted by ASU Alumni Chapters & Clubs around the United States.

    Join us to run or walk...

    The ASU Alumni Association, in support of the Pat Tillman Foundation, is proud to coordinate Tillman Honor Runs, hosted by ASU Alumni Chapters & Clubs around the United States.

    Join us to run or walk 4.2 miles and raise money to support the Tillman Scholar program. Tillman Honor Runs are casual, family-friendly, in-person fun runs. Participate and register in one of the following cities.

    This year, all adult registrants will receive an official 2026 Pat's Run race shirt and race medal; kid's run participants will receive the kid's run shirt and kid's finishing award. All race packets will be shipped and tracking information will be shared upon fulfillment, which will come closer to the time leading up to race day.

    ​ ​ ​

    5 km from Chicago
    Pat Tillman Foundation, North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    Fun Run Run Walk

More races nearby →

Local running groups

  • Tortugas Run Club Group 6 km
    [runningcrews.com] [runningcrews.com] - Instagram

    Founded in March 2021 by David and supported by captains Kristin, Chris, JLuis, and José, Tortugas Run Club in Chicago embraces runners who often find themselves at the back of the pack. Named in honor of David’s mother and her sisters’ steady perseverance, the crew has grown to around 60 members united by a shared commitment to inclusivity and encouragement. Meeting every Sunday at Harrison Park, they run together at all paces through scenic city routes, fostering a supportive atmosphere where progress and connection matter more than speed. Tortugas actively participates in Chicago’s major races, including the Shamrock Shuffle and Chicago Marathon, bringing their spirit of kindness and community to the broader running scene. Rooted in the city’s vibrant landscape and rich racing traditions, Tortugas offers a welcoming home for runners seeking friendship, steady growth, and a place where every stride counts.

    Community Run

    Chicago, Illinois, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps
  • Three Run Two Group 7.6 km
    [threeruntwo.com] [runningcrews.com] - Facebook - Instagram

    Three Run Two is a diverse and authentic running crew that embodies the true passion for running in Chicago, Illinois. They are an organic and relatable community that is deeply reflective of their city. Their philosophy is perfectly captured by their famous, welcoming motto, borrowed from A Tribe Called Quest: "Us And You, Your Momma And Your Cousin Too." With a membership that ranges from first-time runners to ultra-marathoners, they host popular weekly runs on Tuesday and Thursday nights where the focus is on community, self-improvement, and cultural awareness.

    Community Run

    Chicago, Illinois, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps
See all organizations →
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