4 running and walking events in Frankfort, Illinois

Join the 6th Annual Warrior Ruck!

Starting and finishing at Frankfort VFW Post 1493, this 20-Mile Warrior Ruck is about community, remembrance, and showing up with purpose. You’re welcome to complete the full 20 miles — or choose a distance that fits your ability and comfort level. With multiple checkpoints along the route, participants can turn around at any point. Walk it, jog it, ruck it with weight, or take it one mile at a time — every step still counts. 2026 RUCK MAP (click here)

Recharge Service Checkpoints will keep you fueled with bottled water, snacks, and a few spirited options along the route. This is a family-friendly event for all ages, and Kids under 18 are FREE for both the Ruck and After Party!

Note: T-Shirts are not included in this years Ruck Price. All T-Shirts and Sweatshirts are additional purchases.

Event Weekend Details

Packet pickup and pre-check-in will be available on Friday, May 29th from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Frankfort VFW Post 1493. We strongly encourage participants to take advantage of Friday pickup to make Saturday morning smooth and stress-free.

If you’re unable to attend Friday, packet pickup will also be available on Saturday, May 30th from 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM prior to the event start.

Opening ceremonies will begin promptly at 7:45 AM, where we will come together as a community to honor the mission, recognize those we ruck for, and set the tone for the day.

The Warrior Ruck will officially step off at 8:00 AM.

AFTER PARTY

🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – Midnight

🎶 Live Music: DJ Keith: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, Grace and John: 3:00 – 6:00 PM, Billy Gray Music: 7:00 – 11:00 PM

🍕 Food: Tony’s Pizza

🎉 Fun for Kids: Bounce Houses

In collaboration with VIE Wealth Management, Genesis Barbell, and Beacon Training Group, we invite you to honor our fallen heroes and support veterans and first responders. All funds raised will go directly to mental health and suicide prevention initiatives through the Reel Warriors Foundation and the Frankfort VFW Post 1493.

The Reel Warriors Foundation is a nonprofit led by veterans, offering fishing experiences to warriors with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries that creates a unique support network.

The Frankfort VFW Post 1493 has a long history of supporting local veterans through charity work, suicide prevention, and crisis support. They provide a welcoming, relaxed environment where veterans, first responders, and civilians can connect in a supportive, stress-free space.

Rain or shine, we will be there!

Lets make 2026 our best event yet!!!

REEL WARRIORS Video

Course:

The course is a 5k/3.1 mile U.S. Track & Field Certified route that takes you through the beautifully scenic Old Plank Trail and through the streets of Historic Frankfort. Water will be available on the course.

Awards:

Awards will be given for the top overall male & female and the top finisher in each age division, male & female.

Registration Fee:

$25 per person until noon June 8

$35 per person after noon on June 8 until Race Day

Post-Race Activities:

After the completion of the race, stay for the awards presentation & DJ music. For the runners/walkers there will be healthy refreshments and water. The whole family are invited to attend the post-race celebration. All items are first come and will not be replenished.

Giveaway Guarantee:

Race shirts are guaranteed to runners who registered by Wednesday, May 20.

Parking:

Parking is available @ Main Park, Frankfort Village Hall, Park District Preschool Building and neighborhood streets.

Sponsored By:

Town Center Bank

Jeffrey LaMorte Salon & Day Spa

Chicago Stem Cell Therapy

Hamstra Roofing

DOT Foods

Body Fountain

Snow Family Dental

Running for Kicks

Iron Warzone Gym

Chick-fil-A Frankfort

Chiro One

Camp Manitoqua

Palermo's Pizza

Frankfort Jewel Osco

Hinkley Springs

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Clink link to sign up:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4BACA62CA3FF2-62948774-short

Miles for Maddog is an officially chip timed race on a certified course and is a U.S. Track & Field Certified event!

This 10K Run, 5K Walk & Run, and Virtual Race "Celebrates the Hearts and Soles of Organ and Tissue Donation" by honoring deceased donors and their families, living donors, transplant recipients, first responders, healthcare workers, and caregivers.

Proceeds support the Maddog Strong Foundation's work to educate teens and young adults about the life-saving need to register as organ and tissue donors. By encouraging young people to have a conversation with their families about their decision, we aim to inspire the next generation of organ and tissue advocates!