12 walking events in Cook County, Illinois

Get ready for a blues‑soaked adventure in Crestwood! The Muddy Miles: A Spirits Run at Fat Tommy’s brings the heart of Chicago blues to a fast, fun, and slightly gritty 5K experience inspired by Muddy Waters’ legacy and the historic Restvale Cemetery.

This is a Spirits Run event — which means you’re getting more than a race. You’re getting a story, a route with character, and a finish‑line celebration that feels like a neighborhood party.

What to Expect

A runner‑friendly 5K route starting and finishing at Fat Tommy’s, Crestwood’s iconic local spot.

A blues‑themed adventure with nods to Muddy Waters and the musicians who shaped American music.

A cemetery‑turnaround moment that’s respectful, atmospheric, and signature Spirits Run style.

Checkpoints with light, optional tasks to keep the run playful and memorable.

A mini scavenger challenge woven into the course for extra fun.

Post‑Race Celebration

All registered participants receive food included with registration, served by Fat Tommy’s. Spectators and non‑participants can purchase food on‑site from Fat Tommy’s.

Stick around after you cross the finish line — we’ll have music, photos, and a lively community atmosphere.

Swag & Goodies

Custom race bib

Spirits Run collectible stamp for your Illinois Adventure Series passport

Finisher Woodie Medal for all Participants

Collectors Drink Cup

Add‑on merch available at event

Who Can Join

Walkers, runners, strollers, and all paces are welcome. This is a community‑first event with a fun, inclusive vibe.

A Spirits Run Adventure

Every Spirits Run event is built to celebrate local history, local venues, and the stories that make each Illinois town unique. Muddy Miles honors Crestwood’s blues heritage while delivering a fun, approachable 5K for all.

Lace up your running shoes and support Avoca District 37, Marie Murphy class of 2026!

This fun run and walk will support 8th grade activities, and the legacy gift left for generations of Avoca D37 students to come. Additional proceeds will also be donated to charity.

Whether you run, walk, or jog, it’s all about fun, fitness, and community.

📅 Date: April 26, 2026

Start Time: 8:00 am

📍 Location: Community Playfields track

Join us for our annual 5K Walk-A-Thon in support of adolescent physical and mental wellness. This event helps raise funds for our 4-week summer camp serving students in 3rd through 8th grade. More than a summer program, this camp is designed to be a safe, active, and encouraging space for youth during the summer months.

Led by a longtime Maywood District 89 educator with more than 30 years of service, this initiative is rooted in the belief that adolescents need safe spaces, positive structure, and opportunities to stay active for their overall health and well-being.

The Willard PTO is excited to once again host its annual 5K fun run! This event is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Join us for some friendly competition or just a leisurely stroll to start the day!

Race Details

• 5K - The 5k features a 2-loop course, beginning and ending near the Willard playground on Franklin Street; the race begins at 8:30am

• Kids Run - Before the main event, our youngest runners (1st grade and younger) can try our Mini Loop, a 1/4ish mile loop around Constitution Park (see map)

Registration Information

The cost of registration is $20/person (plus site fees) and includes a race bib, t-shirt, and finishers medal.

Registration for the 5k includes the kids mini-loop registration. You do not need to separately register for each event - just show up to one or both! If you do not wish to receive a race shirt, please select "No Shirt" when selecting your t-shirt size. The t-shirt portion of your entry fee will be donated to the PTO; the perfect option if you don’t want another race t-shirt in your closet!

T-shirts and race bibs will be available for pickup at Willard on Thursday 5/14 and Friday 5/15, as well as the morning of the race.

Hoffman Estates Stars & Stripes Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Run/Walk

Hoffman Estates, IL - 06/27/2026

Use #Stars&StripesRun when sharing your photos from the event. Finish with the American Flag, finisher medals & finish line ice cream and bomb pops!

Event times, dates, location and all other details are subject to change prior to the event. All official information is on the event's website AllCommunityEvents.com.

The Universal Sole Summer Trail Challenge

THREE DISTANCES to Choose!

3 Miles-> 6->Miles-> 9 Miles

June 27, 2026 @ 9AM

Trail running has always been in our USOLE DNA! We were the first running store in Chicago to bring trail racing to the Chicago running community. These trail races are great courses for folks wanting to get off the roads and enjoy some of our beautiful trails, but not have to be an expert trail runner to get to the finish. Our trail races are very laid back and great fun for the entire family, making it fun & easy for all! The USOLE Trail Challenge is great for people of all ages and all abilities looking to change up the running routine and get “off” the roads!

Trail Race Location:

We will be headed to Wolf Road Woods, part of the Palos Trail System to tackle our classic USOLE 3 mile course! This course will have a great mix of double & single track along with undulating terrain in the beautiful Wolf Road Woods! It may have a small hill or two to climb as well, but fun will always be had! You have three options to choose...One loop, Two loops or Three loops! You choose your distance! USOLE Trail Challenge races are a great way to see the trails, get a trail run in and enjoy camaraderie with your trail running friends!

Race Details:USOLE Summer Trail Challenge Registration Pricing:

Opening Price until February 28 - $40.00

March 1 - April 30 - $45.00

May 1 - May 31 - $50.00

June 1 - Race Day - $55.00

No exchanges or refunds

The Goods:

Everyone receives a USOLE Trail Challenge premium giveaway

Brews for all post race!

USOLE camaraderie and fun as always!

Courses will be trail & off road with crushed limestone, dirt, rocks, & roots...and maybe some mud. Fun is the name of the game!

Races will begin promptly @ 9:00am. Race day pickup & registration will begin @ 8:00am.

Weather Issues: In the case of inclement weather, the only time we will delay a race or consider any action is in the presence of lightening. All other weather (rain, snow, tons of snow, tons of rain, etc) we will run the race. After all, this is trail running and some inclement weather makes it that much more fun!

Water will be at the Start/finish line. Due to Cook County Forest Preserve regulations, we are not allowed to have any aid station in the trails. Runners running the 6 or 9 mile will have access to water before heading out back out on the second & third three mile loops. It is recommended to carry a hand held bottle or a hydration belt if you need on-course hydration. Bottles can be filled at start/finish line as well as at the split aid station.

-Granola Bars & bananas will be at the finish.

-Race day gear check will be at the Universal Sole Tents

-Parking Info: Plenty of parking in the forest preserve parking lots!

Directions to race sites (see map and address below):

(Wolf Road Woods) - Coming from the north, take I-55 to Exit 279A, southbound La Grange Road. Drive south for roughly 2 miles and exit south onto Archer Avenue.

Awards:

-Overall Male & Female will receive custom tile awards for 9 mile race.

-Full Age Group Awards for the 9 MILE TRAIL RACE ONLY, Top three in each age group: 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

-The 3 & 6 Mile will have age group winner awards only.

-Post race raffle with great prizes from Universal Sole & all of our sponsors to be held at our post race party on-site!

-Packet Pick-up & Race Day Registration:All packets/numbers can be picked race morning on-site @ Wolf Road Woods (Palos) from 8:00am until 8:45am @ The USOLE Tents.

If you would like to register for the race, you may do so on-site at the USOLE Tents from 8am - 8:45am race morning. We highly recommend registering pre-race, but can take walk-ups as well.

Post Race Brews & Fun!

Once the races are over, craft brews for everyone (along with an N.A. alternative as well)! We will have some other goodies for folks as well to enjoy, but let's run, have some fun and enjoy some beer! Once again we will have some brews from our sponsors, Bitter Pops & Goose Island Beer Company for all folks to enjoy and sip while celebrating your accomplishment! Come on out, enjoy some great summer trail running, great craft brews and tons of camaraderie!

BRING OLD RUNNING SHOES OUT TO THE RACE TO RECYCLE!

Reduce Waste Chicago is a nonprofit organization that empowers residents to address climate change through waste reduction on a personal, producer, and policy level. They host Reuse & Recycling Pop-Up events across the city, where they collect a selection of items that can be reused, repurposed, or are difficult to recycle. Reduce Waste Chicago will be out at USOLE races accepting running shoes for recycling (athletic shoes only; please no packaging, bags, boxes, etc.) For more information, click here.

Want To Volunteer? Please email: [email protected]

Please note: No refunds or exchanges for this event