Practice race Joe 2

Who We Are: Healthy Kids Running Series is a five (5) week running program in the spring and fall for kids Pre-K through 8th grade. Each HKRS Series takes place once a week and offers age-appropriate running events including the 50 & 75 yard dashes, the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile and the 1 mile run. Kids will earn points for each race they complete based on their finish.

Pricing: The registration fee covers the entire five (5) weeks of the Series which includes race bibs for each week, a runner shirt, a finisher medal and any sponsor giveaways. Registration is non-refundable and non-transferable. Online Early Bird registration increases three weeks prior to the first race event.

Challenger: This Series offers a Challenger Division which is an adaptive 75 yard race for children with disabilities and/or special needs. This allows for parents, siblings, and friends to be on the course with runners to provide support as well as bringing their own supportive devices such as crutches, braces, wheelchairs, etc. to be used by runners.

Makeup Date Information: 5/:24/2026

Single Day Racing: Single day race registration opens one hour prior to the start of each race. The registration fee covers one single race to be run on the day of registration. ALL single day registrations should be completed onsite at the race location. Single day racers will have the option to upgrade to the full series (see tab on the left side of the page for instructions). There is a strict no-refund and no-transfer policy.

Awards: All participants receive a medal on Week 5! Trophies will be awarded to the overall top finishers in each of the divisions listed below (broken out by boys and girls respectively):

Pre-K 50 Yard Dash

Pre-K 75 Yard Dash

Kindergarten & 1st Grade

2nd & 3rd Grade

4th & 5th Grade

6th to 8th Grade

Challenger

Share your running photos with our community! Find us on Facebook @HealthyKidsRunning or Instagram @healthykidsrs!

#GetUpandGo

PLEASE NOTE: SWAG IS LIMITED: WE HAVE 500 SHIRTS IN LIMITED VARIOUS SIZES, AND 500 SWAG BAGS.

THE FIRST 500 RUNNERS TO REGISTER ARE GUARANTEED THE SHIRT IS THE SELECTED SIZE AND 1 SWAG BAG.

PLEASE NOTE WE CANNOT SWITCH SIZES UNTIL AFTER THE EVENT CONCLUDES, AS SIZING QUANTITIES ARE ALSO LIMITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.

About the Event

• Chip timed with age group results

• Gun time used for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Overall Winners

• CARA certified course

• Shirt notice: Participants who register after March 13 may not receive their preferred shirt size. Late April registrations may not receive a T-shirt.

USATF COURSE CERTIFICATION NUMBER: IL16016NM

Event Details

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Location: Independence Grove Forest Preserve

16400 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048

Start Time: 9:00am

Pricing

Registration through February 28th, 2026

$30/Children 5 years old and under, $15

Registration March 1 through May 1st, 2026

$35/Children 5 years old and under, $15

Day of Registration

$45/Children 5 years old and under, $15

Event Schedule

7:30am Onsite Registration Opens

8:30am Opening Ceremony

9:00am Race Begins

10:15am Closing Ceremony & Awards

What is the EmpoweRun / Walk 5K?

The 14th annual A Safe Place EmpoweRun / Walk 5K is a dynamic fundraising event uniting 400+ runners, friends, and supporters for a memorable spring day. Participants may take part individually or as part of a fundraising team, coming together to run, walk, or donate in support of survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking while supporting vital programs for Chicagoland families.

Funds raised at the EmpoweRun / Walk 5K enable us to sustain our comprehensive services for families affected by domestic violence and human trafficking, while also advancing community awareness of the profound impact and repercussions of violence. As the primary service provider in Lake County dedicated solely to supporting survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, fundraising teams play an important role in expanding our reach and impact within the community.

A Safe Place offers comprehensive programs aimed at helping survivors and their children rebuild their lives post-domestic violence, while also tackling the root causes through abuser intervention initiatives. Additionally, our community education efforts raise awareness about domestic violence and human trafficking, empowering individuals to take action towards their eradication. In the past year alone, participants and fundraising teams helped A Safe Place reach over 32,000 community members, highlighting our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected.

Our services include emergency shelter, permanent housing, a 24-hour crisis line 800-600-SAFE (7233), advocacy, therapy for individuals and children, support groups, art therapy, family visitation, monitored custody exchanges, batterer intervention, prevention education in schools, and community training.

T-Shirts

Please Note if you do not register by March 13th, you may not receive the exact shirt size requested.

Awards and Results

We will be Hosting the Awards Ceremony around between 10:00 and 10:15am once a majority or all participants cross the finish line.

Award categories are as follows:

1st, 2nd, 3rd place Women (Overall)

1st, 2nd, 3rd place Men (Overall)

1st and 2nd Women and Men (By Age Groups - 10 and Under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Over)

Finish Line Cutoff Time

All Participants must conclude their time no later than 10:15am.

Timing

J3 Timing will be conducting Chip Timing for the EmpoweRun / Walk 5K.

Parking

Please follow the EmpoweRun / Walk 5K signage directing you to the correct lots upon arrival. Parking will be in the 2 lots closest to the start of the race, they will be clearly marked day of. Please see map for parking location as well.

Packet Pickup

Details regarding packet pickup, including dates, times, and locations, will be announced closer to the event. Participants will receive an email with all necessary information, and updates will also be posted on our website and social media. Stay tuned for more details!

Policies and Guidelines:

Strollers/Baby Joggers

• Participants with strollers or baby joggers must line up at the back of the starting area to avoid congestion and ensure a safe start for all runners.

• Strollers and baby joggers must be in good working condition and equipped with functioning brakes.

• Children in strollers or baby joggers must be securely buckled at all times during the race.

• Please stay to the right side of the course and be mindful of faster runners passing on the left.

• Refrain from sudden stops or turns that may disrupt other participants. Participants using strollers or baby joggers are responsible for maintaining control of their equipment and ensuring the safety of their child and others on the course. Please be prepared for various weather conditions and take appropriate precautions to keep your child safe and comfortable.

Pets

To ensure the safety and comfort of all participants, only service animals are permitted at the EmpoweRun / Walk 5K.

Bicycles/Other Wheeled Vehicles

Bicycles, in-line skates, roller skates, scooters, and other wheeled vehicles are prohibited.

Inclement Weather

At A Safe Place, the safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff is our top priority. The EmpoweRun / Walk 5K will take place rain or shine; however, in the event of severe or hazardous weather conditions, the following policy will apply:

Monitoring

Event organizers will continuously monitor weather conditions leading up to and during the race.

We will follow guidelines from the National Weather Service (NWS) and local authorities to ensure safety.

Possible Weather Adjustments

• Rain: The race will proceed as scheduled unless conditions become unsafe.

• Lightning & Thunderstorms: If lightning is detected within 10 miles of the course, the event will be delayed by 30 minutes from the last lightning strike. If conditions persist beyond a reasonable timeframe, the race may be canceled.

Communication

If conditions require cancellation before race day, participants will be notified via email, social media, and our website.

Refund Policy

The EmpoweRun / Walk 5K is a fundraising event, and all proceeds directly support A Safe Place’s programs and services. As such, no refunds will be issued under any circumstances, including event cancellation due to severe weather.

Get ready for a one‑of‑a‑kind 5K that blends lakefront views, local history, and a little spirited fun. Spirits on the Rocks starts and finishes at Green Town on the Rocks in Waukegan, giving runners a beautiful waterfront backdrop and a lively post‑run celebration.

This unique route takes you along the harbor and down Sheridan Road to Oakwood Cemetery, resting place of early Illinois leaders, judges, mayors, and community trailblazers. Every participant helps support our mission to highlight and preserve historic cemeteries across Illinois.

After the run, head back to Green Town on the Rocks for drinks, music, and a lakefront party atmosphere. Food is included for all registered participants, and we’ll also have a food truck on site with additional items available for purchase — perfect for spectators or anyone who wants more.

What You Get

Spirits Run collectible race bib

Custom county‑themed sticker

Post‑run drink specials at Green Town on the Rocks- in a collectible cup

Food included for all participants

Food truck available for purchase (spectators welcome!)

Access to the lakefront after‑party

A beautiful, meaningful route through Waukegan’s historic district

Kick off summer with the Lambs on the Run 5K/2 Mile Walk to benefit the men and women of Lambs Farm!

Registration includes an official event T-Shirt (exclusive only to those who register by May 5), a finisher medal, snacks and refreshments.

Retrieve your runner's packet and take advantage of early check-in on packet pickup day, Friday before the raace between 9:00am and 3pm.

Race day packet pickup and check-in opens at 7:30am at the main pavilion.

All proceeds from this event support our mission of helping people with developmental disabilities lead productive, happy lives and connecting with the human spirit in us all.

We are on CARA's 2026 Runner's Choice Race Circuit Again!

Lake Bluff PTO Pumpkin Chase 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run is on Saturday October 24, 2026. The 5K starts @ 8AM and the Fun Run starts @ 9:15AM. Our 5K course is a certified course (USATF- IL-14092-JW) that travels along the beautiful tree lined streets of east Lake Bluff down to the bluff overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan. Don't forget to bring the kids as the 1 Mile Fun Run begins shortly after the 5K and is a family favorite with K-8th grade bragging rights on the line. Stick around for post race refreshments, camaraderie, and awards after each race!

ONLY REGISTRATIONS MADE BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026 ARE GUARANTEED A T-SHIRT