City of the Sun 5K Trail Run 2026

The Italian Fest Committee is excited to host the 5K race and Kids Dash.

5K Course: The course is a flat and fast out & back route finishing on Main St.

Kids Dash: Distance will be a ~1/4 mile out & back on Main St after the 5K. Open to all kids 10 & under. Kids will receive a finishers medal.

Chip timing: Provided by Final Lap Racing

Awards: Top 3 Overall Male and Females and Top 3 in following Age groups: 10 & 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 & over.

Early Bib &Shirt Pickup: Friday, September 18th, at Italian Fest on Main Street from 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Race Day Bib &Shirt Pickup: Saturday, September 19th, at Italian Fest on Main Street from 6:30am - 8:00am

JJK 5K Run & Walk during the NASCAR Cup Series Weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway

Add to your Labor Day festivities and don't miss the fun and excitement of the 4th annual JJK5K Race on September 7th at World Wide Technology Raceway. This will be the first event of the 2026 Enjoy Illinois 300. This is the fourth annual event honoring our hometown champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee. She has dedicated her life after Olympic competition to supporting the youth of East St. Louis. Please join us for this incredible opportunity to celebrate her accomplishments, welcome to the first event of the 2026 Enjoy Illinois 300 weekend.

There are two events to choose from -- the 5K run or 1.25 mile walk around the oval track.

It will be a unique experience for a great cause! All activities take place throughout the WWTR facilities including the same track NASCAR drivers race for the Enjoy Illinois 300 race. Race proceeds benefit the JJK Foundation – a vital part of the Metro East community supporting many youth programs.

Registration Includes:

• T shirt

• Commemorative event medal

• Free and convenient parking

• Two tickets to the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Race on September 13

• Free downloadable photos for all participants

• Awards for top three finishers in various classes in the 5K

If you’ve done a traditional 5K, you know they can be a bit lackluster. But the BUBBLE RUN™ is like running through Willy Wonkas’ factory. Clad in white t-shirts, adults, kids and strollers run, walk, dance and play across up to 3 miles of absolute fun! Waves start every 3-5 minutes. Participants will run through the Foam Bogs where there is enough colored foam to cover you from head to toe!

Bubble-teers will also be there to help make sure you get your share of the frothy goodness. Each one of the Foam Bogs is represented by different colored foam. So what if you should accidentally “taste the whimsey?” They don’t taste as great as they are fun, but not to worry. The foam is 100% safe.

Event details and schedule

Please plan on arriving 30-45 minutes prior to your wave start to give yourself plenty of time to park, get your Bubble RUN™ swag, check in if needed, and to get situated.

Please be prompt for your Heat.

Once your heat has started, (the heat is the time you registered for) small waves will be released every 60-90 seconds. Your physical start time is based on a first come-first serve basis, so naturally you will start earlier if you enter the start chute earlier. The last wave within your heat will go out 30 minutes after your scheduled heat (i.e., if your registered heat is for 8AM, the last wave in your heat will leave at 8:30AM).

Bring some extra cash for parking and SWAG!

After you park, bring some extra cash! You'll want to check out our super sweet Bubble RUN store for t-shirts, tutus, and more!

There may be a parking charge of up to $20 for the event that is handled by the venue. With THOUSANDS of smiles present on race day, please have exact change and please don't cut your time too short before the race starts. Cram as many bubblers (legally) into your car to save some cash money money!