NCSL Fun Run 5K

Rising from the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a city defined by its towering skyline, deep-seated sports legacy, and an unmistakable Midwestern grit. From the historic steel of the "L" trains to the vibrant energy of its world-class waterfront, the "Windy City" offers a high-octane atmosphere where legendary architecture meets a community that prides itself on hard work and resilience.

The event takes over the expansive exhibition halls of Navy Pier, providing a high-energy indoor environment with breathtaking views of the lake. Over three days, competitors will face the signature 10-zone, 5km course, featuring everything from the high-stakes Elite and Age Group heats to the heavy-duty Ruck challenge. Whether you’re grabbing a partner for 2-person teams, gathering a squad for the 4-person format, or braving the grueling DEKA FIT Ultra, Chicago offers a world-class stage to test your mettle.

GIVEAWAY SHIRTS

Those who registered early and were among the first 1000 to earn the exclusive DEKA giveaway shirt will receive an email with instructions on how to claim your reward. Please keep an eye on your inbox and email [email protected] if you have any questions.

DESIGN YOUR WEEKEND IN CHICAGO

Master your race weekend with MARK, the official Chicago DEKA FIT guide covering critical event details and the best local spots to eat, stay, and play. Don't leave your trip to chance. Download MARK now to conquer the city and the arena.

Mujeres on the Run is here again to empower and celebrate women in the community through its 5k Run and Walk. The Mujeres on the Run 5k fosters running as a way to stay healthy, build positive relationships, and share time with family and friends. This event is open to everyone regardless of gender. Everyone is welcome to join us in one of the most exciting races in Chicago.

The funding from this event will support programs at Centro Romero including leadership, civic participation, domestic violence prevention, English and GED classes, immigration services, and after-school programs.

Polka Run 5K – First Inaugural Edition

Welcome to the first-ever Polka Run 5K! This unforgettable race is proudly part of the Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival, taking place July 10–12 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.

The polka is a lively, joyful traditional dance known for its fast tempo and playful spins — the moment the music starts, your feet can’t help but twirl in circles! So what better place to celebrate the polka spirit than with the stunning Chicago skyline as your backdrop?

If you love to dance, come polka your way through the course. If you’d rather run — then run! Whether you take polka steps or running strides, enjoy the breathtaking views along Lake Shore Drive and the shores of Lake Michigan, cheered on by an amazing crowd. Wear the vibrant colors of the Lithuanian flag — yellow, green, and red — and turn the 5K into a moving celebration of culture and community, like autumn leaves dancing along the path!

Walkers are warmly welcome too! This is a limited-capacity event, so register soon and secure your spot to experience the run, the music, the energy, and the unforgettable Lithuanian vibe.

Join us for a celebration of movement, culture, and community — see you at the starting line!

Every runner and walker gets a distinctive, custom finisher medal — a memorable piece you’ll be excited to wear and show off!

Run. Celebrate. Donut. | 10th Anniversary Stan’s Donut Race

Grab your donut-lovin’ crew and help us celebrate 10 sweet years at the 2026 Stan’s Donut Race! Join us Saturday, July 18, 2026 for one of the most fun and delicious race experiences in the city, featuring multiple race distances for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re chasing a PR or strolling with family and friends, there’s a distance for everyone. And of course, every finisher earns a legendary Stan’s Donut at the finish line plus tasty treats along the course!

RACE DATE

• Saturday, July 18, 2026

RACE LOCATION

• Stadium Green at Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

START TIME

• 10K RUN Starts at 7:00 AM

• 5K RUN & WALK Starts at 8:00 AM

• Kids Dash Starts at 9:45 AM

START

• 5K and 10K start on Waldron Dr at the Start Line Truss

FINISH

• 5K, 10K, and Kids Dash concrete apron in front of Soldier Field (Kids Dash will also start and finish at the Finish Line)

CHARITY

• The official 2026 Stan’s Donut Race Charity is Cal’s Angels. Cal’s Angels is a 501(c)(3) pediatric cancer foundation with a mission of granting wishes, raising awareness, and funding research to help kids fighting cancer. Because we have lived the battle with pediatric cancer, we understand what these families are going through. The help that we provide these families through our programs is a great resource when they need it the most.

PARKING / TRANSPORTATION

• Parking will be available at the Waldron Parking Deck (458 E 18th Dr, Chicago, IL 60605) for $25.

• We strongly encourage carpooling and getting to the start line early, as there may be traffic. Allow sufficient time for heavy traffic congestion and street closures due to the race. Please note that the roads around Soldier Field can get congested.

• Soldier field is easily accessible by the CTA Red, Green, and Orange Lines at the Roosevelt Station (3/4 mile walk to stadium entrance) CTA bus route #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express also provides a connection from Roosevelt Station to the stadium entrance on McFetridge Drive From Memorial Day to Labor Day, CTA bus route #130 Museum Campus provides service from downtown Metra stations to Soldier Field, Adler Planetarium, and Northerly Island.

SWAG

• All 10K & 5K Participants will receive a dri-fit race shirt, Donut Shaped Finisher Medal, Race Bib, and a Stan's Donut at the Finish Line! Plus TWO Donut Stations along the course with mini donuts!

• All Kids Dash Participants receive a youth shirt, Donut Shaped Finisher Medal, and a Stan's Donut at the Finish Line!

AWARDS

• The awards ceremony will take place around 9:15 AM in the "basecamp area" near the Inflatables.

• The top THREE Male & Female Finishers will receive a medal and Stan's Donuts Gift Certificates.

• Top three male and female finishers in each age group in the 10K and 5K receive an age group medal.

• Age groups are as follows: 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+

FINISHER MEDAL

• All in-person participants will receive a medal upon finishing the race.

TIMING

• The Stan's Donut 10K and 5K in-person race is an officially timed event using the disposable B-Tag timing system. Timing chips are attached directly to the back of your bib number and are to remain adhered for the duration of the event. Only the run will be timed.

PRE-RACE PACKET PICK-UP

• Pre-race packet pick-up will be at Fleet Feet

• Thursday, July 16: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Fleet Feet South Loop & Fleet Feet Elmhurst

• Friday, July 17: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Fleet Feet Lincoln Square

RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP

• For an extra $10, race day packet pick-up will be available on race morning starting at 6:00 AM. You can pick-up your packet under the white tents at Soldier Field.

• Time: 6:00 – 7:45 AM

PACKET SHIPPING

• Make your life easier this summer and skip the lines! All you need to do is choose the packet shipping option during registration and our team will have your race packet shipped directly to your front door for only $15.95! Your packet includes your race shirt, bib, and more!

• If you opt for packet shipping during registration, there is no requirement to attend packet pick up. Packet shipping is a convenient option for those with tight schedules.

• Please be sure to verify your mailing address during the registration process, as our donut team is not responsible for misdirected packets. Packet shipping is currently only open to US addresses within the contiguous United States. Packets will be shipped 1-2 weeks prior to the event date. We will close packet mailing three weeks before the race, so be sure to sign up early! We will inform all participants when packets start shipping.

DOGS & STROLLERS

• Strollers are allowed at this event, we just ask that you start in the back of your wave pack. While we love your furry friends, animals are not allowed for safety reasons.

REFUNDS

• Since Stan's Donut Race has many upfront costs, we have a strict and uniform policy of no refunds, no person-to-person transfer, or no deferrals to a future year. We do understand that plans change, injuries happen, and various situations arise, but, we feel it is most fair to apply a uniform policy to all, instead of a subjective line of who should receive a refund and who doesn’t. All purchases and sales are 100% final, no exceptions. Refunds will not be issued based on weather conditions, pandemics, or anything out of our control. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

VIRTUAL RACE

Not a Stan's Donut Race near you? No worries! You can run it virtually! Run the race by yourself or with a large group, in the location of your choice, at any time of the day.

Same race. Same swag. Just Your Location!

How It Works

• Register For the Virtual Donut Race – DOMESTIC ONLY.

• You will receive your swag (Shirt, Bib, Medal, and Donut Card) in the mail starting in early July.

• Run/Walk your race on any day.

• Upload your results on the website

• GO EAT SOME DONUTS!

• Enjoy the satisfaction of your success and being a part of the Virtual Stan's Donut Race!

*Please note if you purchase a virtual entry it will not be valid at Soldier Field on 7/18.

LACE UP! 2026 Chinatown 5K is coming in HOT!

Join us on Saturday, July 18, 2026, for a run or walk through the heart of Chicago’s Chinatown, a community rich in culture and history.

The Chicago Chinatown 5K and Youth Run is held by 501(c)(3) nonprofit social services organization, Project: VISION. Project: VISION's mission is to help youth in Chicago's Greater Chinatown community reach their full potential by providing them with tools for educational, personal, and civic Development. Since 2003, Project: VISION has empowered over 20,000 underprivileged Asian American youth in Chicago through free educational and leadership development programs. Serving students in grades 6-12, PV provides tutoring, ACT/SAT prep, career readiness workshops, and leadership training to help students succeed academically and build essential life skills. The organization also fosters social responsibility through service projects and mentorship opportunities, equipping students with the confidence and tools to achieve their goals and give back to their communities. Last year alone, PV served a record 568 students, delivering over 95,000 hours of tutoring, mentorship, and career readiness

services. These programs continue to inspire students to succeed, grow, and contribute to brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

Experience the magic of Chicago’s Chinatown like never before! Picture yourself running through its historic neighborhoods and streets, surrounded by the vibrant history, tantalizing scents, and lively sounds of this bustling community. Prefer to join from afar? No problem! Our virtual race option lets friends and partners from around the globe participate and share in the excitement.

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of culture, community, and fitness!

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026

Location: Ping Tom Park (East), 1700 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Times:

5K: 8:00 AM

Youth Race Information Coming Soon

CAUSE & DONATION:

All donations from the event will directly support Project: VISION’s mission to provide free youth programs, making a meaningful impact on the lives of our students and their families.

Join us for a morning of fitness, community, and fun as we work together to empower the next generation. Sign up today to run, walk, or donate—every step makes a difference!

QUESTIONS?

Please Email Us: [email protected]