4 events in Cook County, Illinois
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find trail running events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Cook County
4 events in Cook County-
Sat, Apr 04, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
Hop into Spring at the New Winnetka Bunny Hop Dash 5k! Join us on April 4, 2026 for a family fun 5k on the Green Bay trail!
8am and 9:00am Start time waves Bunny Ears included for kids!
SCHEDULE
Everyone is Required to Pick Up Packets. Friends can pick up friends packets. PLEASE Email us large groups. No Race Day
SUNDAY, MARCH 29 10:30 AM – 4:00PM – Packet Pickup @ Road Runner Sports (Ednes Plaza), 3232 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091
FRIDAY, APRIL 3
12:30pm – 4:00PM – Packet Pickup @ Road Runner Sports (Ednes Plaza), 3232 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
7:15 AM RACE DAY REGISTRATION Race Day Registration: Cash or Check only: Carpe Diem Races.
RACE MORNING
8:00 AM 1st wave ON THE TRAIL - Rolling start
8:30 AM 2nd Wave
9:00 AM 3rd wave starts --
Due to congestion on the course there will be no Water Station. - post race water will be at finish line and up at the main building area
No AWARDS, but all kids receive a #1 medal and bunny ears
RESULTS: Results are posted on line at www.j3timing.com
RACE LOCATION
On the Green Bay Trail at Winnetka Train Station 754 Elm St, Winnetka, IL 60093. We will be on the West side of the building. Post race water and granola bars.
VOLUNTEER
Need varies shifts: Course Marshal, Water Station, Packet Pick up race day!
WEATHER
The event will go on rain, shine or snow and no cancellations. In the event of severe weather on race morning, we will communicate any changes to the schedule or race with all registered athletes via email, social media, and at the event.
PARKING
Public Lots and street parking
REFUNDS
No Refunds.
Carpe Diem Races and Municipality have the right to change the course.
ROAD RUNNER SPORTS BUNNY SPECIAL: Shop and save with Road Runner Sports during packet pickup hours! Join the VIP Family and enjoy $20 off your order of $50 or more on anything in store. Already a VIP? Earn Double Rewards Cash on your purchase. Some exclusions may apply. See store for details.
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Sat, May 09, 2026 at 7:30 AMSee full details
Explore the Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve - the largest tract of undeveloped land in Cook County, IL. This race will cover every inch of maintained trail within the Nature Preserve. With over 1000 ft of elevation, this marathon is mountainous by Chicago standards!
The course uses the Sag Valley Trail system, covering the Yellow, Green, Blue & Tan trails. The whole course is wide horsetrail, allowing for 2-way traffic and encouragement from fellow participants.
Results here: https://www.athlinks.com/event/353493/results/Event/1082897/Results
Photos here: https://www.highfivebb.com/Running/F3-Cap-Sauers-Trail-Marathon-10-Mile-May-10-2025
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Sun, Sep 20, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
Sunday, September 20th, 2026, 9:00 am
6K Run (3.71 miles)
2Km Walk (1.2 miles)
Vollmer Road Trails, Olympia Fields, Illinois
Join us for the annual St. Veronica 6k run for scholarships, which will take place on the 6k loop of the Cook County Forest Preserve Vollmer Grove Trail. This event is being held to support the St. Veronica Kwanzaa Ministry Scholarship program. People of all ages are welcome to participate in this family-friendly event by running or walking their way to help our ministry reach its goal. The race starts at 9:00 am and will take place on the trails at Vollmer Grove. So, if you're ready to take on the challenge, tie up your running shoes and get ready to run!
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What is included with your race entry:
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A first-class running experience
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Chip-timing for accurate results
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A totally set-up and well-marked course
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One-of-a-kind Prizes and Race Swag
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Early Bird Registration: Anyone who registers by September 18, 2026, will receive a complimentary St. Veronica 6k Run/Walk for Scholarships T-shirt.
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Race Day Registration: Feel free register between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. on race day. $40 per participant (t-shirt not guaranteed)
Start Times: 9:00 am
Race Options:
6K Run: Timed event for competitive runners
2K Walk: Perfect for all ages and fitness levels
Packet Pickup: Will take place on race day at the start area at 8:00 am.
Course Type: Paved Trail
Stroller friendly? Yes
Dogs allowed? Yes (On a Leash)
Transportation: Parking is available at the start area. An overflow lot is available off Flossmoor Road, approximately 1 mile from the start of the event. If you park at the Flossmoor Road Lot, turn left to enter the trails. The Olympia Fields Metra station, located on the Metra Electric line, is approximately 2 Miles from the start area.
Awards: We will award medals to the top three overall finishers and the top three in the following age groups: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+. Awards will be presented at approximately 10:15 am.
The course time limit is 90 minutes.
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Fri, Jan 01, 2027 at 11:00 AMSee full details
New Year’s Day Resolution Run
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
6K Run (3.71 miles)
The 6th Annual Resolution Run takes place around the 6k loop of the Cook County Forest Preserve Vollmer Grove Trail and is a fantastic way to say goodbye 2026 and welcome 202 with new goals! This running event races through the trails on New Year’s Day, at a reasonable 11am. We welcome families and participants of all ages to come run or crawl their way to completing their first resolution! Bring warm layers of clothes, tie up your running shoes, and get ready to ‘run into’ 2027!
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.
• One-of-a-kind Prizes and Race Swag
• A free custom beanie hat to the first 100 registrants to commemorate your first fitness goal of the year!
Start Times: 11 am
Packet Pickup: Will take place on race day at the start area.
Course Type: Paved Trail
Stroller friendly? Yes
Dogs allowed? Yes
Transportation: Parking is available at the start area. There is an overflow lot available off Flossmoor Road, about 1 mile from the start. If you park at the Flossmoor Road Lot, make a left entering the trails. The Olympia Fields Metra station off the Metra Electric is approximately 2 Miles from the start area.
Awards: We will award medals to the top three overall finishers and the top three in the following age groups: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-69, & 70 +. Awards will be presented at approximately 12:15 pm.
Course time limit is 1:00 pm.
CLICK ON MORE DETAILS TO SEE COURSE MAP
More Details