La Carrera de las Madres 2026

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!

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]

Experience Gospel Run!

The Gospel Run is a USATF-sanctioned, chip-timed 5K event and a celebration of movement, music, culture, and community.

For over a decade, we've welcomed competitive runners, walkers, and teams from across the country to one of Chicago’s most inspiring race-day experiences.

Set on Chicago’s stunning lakefront — Gospel Run combines the excitement of a road race with a powerful atmosphere that has inspired thousands to take steps toward healthier lives.

Whether you're chasing a personal record, coming for the finishers' medal, or looking to create incredible memories, Gospel Run is an experience like no other.

Run your Race. Walk your Pace. Finish Strong.

Be Inspired!

El Grito 5K runs along 26th street in the culturally rich Mexican neighborhood of Little Village. The race will precede the Mexican Independence Day Parade.

El Grito 5K recorre la calle 26 en La Villita, un barrio rico en cultura mexicana. La carrera se lleva a cabo antes del desfile del Día de la Independencia de México.

We invite runners of all fitness levels to participate in this event!

¡Invitamos a corredores de todos los niveles de condición física a participar!

Proceeds for this race will go to support New Life Centers in their relentless commitment to young people and their families at the intersection of youth leadership, life-on-life relationships, and restorative justice.

Las ganancias de esta carrera se destinarán a apoyar el compromiso que tiene New Life Centers con los jóvenes y sus familias en la intersección de liderazgo juvenil, mentoría y la justicia restaurativa.