6 running, swimming, triathlon, and other events in Evanston, Illinois
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find running, swimming, triathlon, plunge, and ultra events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Evanston
6 events in Evanston-
Sat, Feb 21, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
The Rotary Club of Evanston is hosting their first ever charity stair climb on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 8:00am at One Rotary Center in Evanston as participants climb with purpose—one step at a time to take action against food insecurity.
Whether you’re a seasoned climber, a first-timer, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation makes a real difference. All proceeds from the event will benefit initiatives dedicated to building food security in Evanston and beyond, helping ensure that individuals and families have reliable access to nutritious food.
Participants can choose to run up the 18 flights (318 steps) or walk up the flights. Whomever completes the most flights of stairs will go home champion and with a special prize.
Lace up your shoes and step up against hunger. Together, we can turn effort into impact and steps into lasting change.
*Please note that climbers must be 18 years or older to participate.
Why Participate?
Step Up Against Hunger offers a rare experience and flexible ways to get involved.
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Exclusive access to the normally closed stairwells of One Rotary Center, the global headquarters of Rotary International since 1987
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A unique chance to climb and experience a building visited by Rotarians from around the world
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Multiple ways to participate: climb, donate, cheer, or create your own fundraiser
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Your $25 registration provides 4 meals for community families in need, creating immediate impact.
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Visit the “Rotary in Action” lobby exhibit and see Rotary’s local-to-global impact.
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Friendly competition, community spirit, and prizes for top climbers
Getting Here
Public transportation: One Rotary Center is a short walk from the CTA Purple Line Davis station and the Metra (Union Pacific North Line) Evanston (Davis Street) station. Please see their websites for rates and additional information.
Parking: Free onsite garage parking is available for stair climb event participants on the event date. On each level of the garage except the visitor parking floor, please park only in spaces marked “Rotary.” Metered street parking is also available around the building.
What is Rotary?
Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite to take action against the world’s most persistent problems. Guided by a shared mission of service, integrity, and goodwill, Rotary members work through local clubs to support causes such as food security, education, health, clean water, and community development, creating lasting change close to home and around the world.
About the Rotary Club of Evanston
Founded in 1920, the Rotary Club of Evanston is one of the city’s leading charitable and service organizations. Its members—neighbors, friends, and community leaders—are committed to creating lasting change in Evanston and beyond.
For more than 100 years, the club has combined hands-on volunteer service with fundraising to support local nonprofit organizations, addressing critical issues such as youth development, food insecurity, homelessness, and community well-being.
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Sun, Jul 12, 2026 at 9:30 AMSee full details
Join Us for
The Val Nora: 5K + Food Truck Festival
Sunday, July 12, 2026
9:30am-12:00pm
2040 Brown Ave., Evanston, IL 60201
WALK • RUN• ROLL
All Abilities Welcome
Fun, Family-Friendly Event
2K Option • Food Trucks • DJ • Face Painting & More
Meet Players of The Northwestern Men's & Women's Basketball Teams
Registration Includes: Race Bib, T-shirt, and one meal ticket from a food truck
ALL AGES WELCOME, FOOD AND T-SHIRT INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION
(FOOD TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE DAY OF THE EVENT)
Honoring Disability Pride Month & Supporting Over The Rainbow Residents
In memory of Val Nora, a longtime Over The Rainbow resident whose commitment and generosity meant so much to our community.
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Sun, Jul 26, 2026 at 7:00 AMSee full details
The Great Lake Plunge is Evanston's only open water swimming event. The swim consists of three events: 4K, 2K, 1K. This is a not-for-profit event which provides grants to support local water safety training and awareness This is a unique, family friendly event that will leave an impression for years to come. Visit our website for detailed information.
The racecourse is a 1K GPS buoyed rectangle. Swimmers will start at the southwest corner and be directed clockwise, first heading northwest, then turning northeast before returning southeast and finally southwest, back to the starting area. Buoys will be placed at the corners and halfway points.
The 1K swimmers swim 1 loop, 2K swimmers 2 loops, and 4K swimmers 4 loops.
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Sun, Aug 16, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
We invite youth between the ages of 5 and 14 to join us at the North Shore Youth Triathlon (NSYT). The NSYT challenges youth to develop fitness and achieve their personal best while having fun!
The NSYT is hosted by the not-for-profit Evanston-based OWLS (Open Water Lake Swimmers) and draws on over fifteen years of experience inspiring youth through triathlon.
The event is held at Evanston Township High School. This includes a pool swim, closed to traffic bike course, and run on ETHS grounds.
Event Distances:
11-14 year old: Swim 200 yards, Bike 5 miles, Run 1.2 miles
7-10 year old: swim 100 yard, Bike 2.5 miles, Run 0.7 miles
5-6 year old splash & dash: swim flexible based on skill and comfort level, Run 0.5 mile
*For need based scholarship, please contact Craig Strong at [email protected]
*If your child would like to race in a different age category than their current age for any reason (Ex: shorter or longer swim), please register them for their current age group and then email [email protected] so we can make the change for you.
Packet Pick Up:
Friday, August 14th 5-7:00 PM
Saturday August 15th 4-7:00 PM
Both packet pickups will be located at ETHS in the grassy area near the pool entrance off of Dodge Avenue, north of Door 1.
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Sat, Sep 26, 2026 at 7:00 AM
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Sun, Feb 21, 2027 at 9:00 AMSee full details
Get ready for Chicago's premiere indoor triathlon! The top scorers will be those who swim, bike, and run the furthest distance in a set amount of time. Come ready to race a:
10 minute swim
20 minute bike
15 minute run
If you haven't yet qualified for nationals, you're in luck because this is your last chance to do so! This indoor triathlon is a qualifier for the U.S. Collegiate Club Triathlon Nationals each year. The first 75 people to sign up get a free Wildcat Indoor swim cap.
Local Clubs & Organizations
Showing 5 of 8 · View all Evanston organizations-
Event Organizer1 event312-287-4046
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Club
USA Swimming Club. 52 members.
[email protected] 8474757400296 -
Club
USA Swimming Club. Club Excellence: Silver. 280 members.
[email protected] +1 312-296-4487 -
Club
USA Swimming Club. 36 members.
[email protected] +1 847-467-2396 -
Club