Hot Cider Hustle - Wheaton 8 Mile Run & 5K Run/Walk

Get ready for an exhilarating day of fitness and fun at the Warrior Rush 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon 13.1 taking place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the scenic Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton, IL. Our charity for this event is Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

This event is perfect for runners of all levels, offering a choice of distances to fit your skill and ambition. Participants can look forward to a fantastic race experience featuring chip-timing with live results, custom medals, and a stylish soft ring-spun cotton T-shirt included with registration. After crossing the finish line, enjoy complimentary snacks and the opportunity to capture your accomplishments with event photos.

Gather your friends and family for a day filled with action and camaraderie, but don’t wait too long to sign up—this event is expected to sell out! Make sure to register by midnight on the Saturday before race day to secure your T-shirt and be part of this unforgettable running challenge. Conquer the Warrior Rush challenge and unleash your inner warrior!

Registration Includes:

Great Swag - Soft ring spun cotton T-shirt included!

Custom medal, Chip-timing with live results and awards

FREE snacks at the finish line and photos!

Plenty of fun and action!

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)

Kicking off at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, the Firefly 3K offers a fun fitness challenge and a chance to enjoy stunning sunset views at The Morton Arboretum.

The Firefly 3K course will follow the main paved road on the Arboretum's East Side, moving through the Arboretum’s tree and plant collections, and down Frost Hill. The course is relatively flat and well-suited for runners, walkers, and wheelchair users of all experience levels.

Virtual Participation

Participants can run the Firefly 3K at the Arboretum or participate virtually by completing the course distance at another location and logging the results online.

All Firefly 3K race participants will receive branded Firefly Race Series apparel.

Pricing

Firefly Race Series

Firefly 3K: $35 member, $45 guest

Virtual Participation

Firefly 3K: $25 member, $35 guest

On August 1st, during our Alumni Weekend, come join us for the 3rd Annual 5k hosted on COD’s main campus! There will be a 5k timed race & post race Alumni party & pizza. Start and Finish at the College of DuPage Track. View the Course Map Here

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.

Start Times: 5:00 PM

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

Course Type: Road and Paved Trail with some grass crossings.

Stroller friendly? Yes

Dogs allowed? Yes

Transportation: Parking is available at the start area.

Course time limit is 7:30 PM

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