The Rhythm of the Heart 5K Run & Walk is a brand-new event kicking off the City of Loves Park’s 4th annual Rhythm of the Heart Music Festival. This community-focused race invites runners and walkers of all ages to experience the roots of Loves Park as the course winds through some of the city’s original neighborhoods, the Field of Honor, and other special areas. Along the way, participants will pass beautiful Loves Park murals and even catch a glimpse of the Rock River.
What makes this race truly special is its purpose. All registration fees will directly support Christmas for Kids, a local nonprofit organization that benefits children right here in the Harlem School District through the annual Shop with a First Responder, teacher, and other community members event. By participating, you’re not only getting active and having fun, you’re helping make a meaningful impact in our community.
Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, this 5K is a chance to come together, give back, and celebrate everything that makes Loves Park special.
23rd Annual 5K, One-Mile Fun Run and Kids Races
Saturday, August 8th, 2026 at 8 a.m. (5K start at 8:15 a.m.)
LOCATION
Taylor Park, 900 East Stephenson Street , Freeport, IL 61032
Starting and ending near the statue of Abraham Lincoln, the Debater.
*Back up location The Family YMCA on HCC Campus
The Lincoln-Douglas 5K, One-Mile Fun Run and Kids Races combine a fun, fast, and competitive 5K race with a fun run and series of kids races that ultimately crowns the "Fastest Kid in Town."
The course consists of three loops around the historic paved road inside Taylor Park – a 5K (3.1 miles), wheel-measured, certified course that is flat and fast designed to help you achieve a personal best.
A one mile fun run involves one loop of the 5k course.
For more information and course maps, visit www.lincoln-douglas5k.com
Competition and Fun that makes a difference!
What better way to end your summer than getting out for some family-friendly competition (for those who want to be competitive) in downtown Rockford.
RAMP will be hosting the 13th Annual 3K Walk/Wheel, 5K Run, 1/2 Marathon! All proceeds from these events will go directly to RAMP. This run is USATF certified (IL 17063NM) and is a 2026 RRR Circuit Race. See more information about the RRR Circuit at www.rockfordroadrunners.org. Register by July 20th to be guaranteed an event t-shirt.
Thank you for supporting RAMP, a local non-profit organization that provides services and advocacy that assist individuals with disabilities to live as independently as possible.
RAMP Disability Resources & Services mission is to build an inclusive community that encourages individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. RAMP takes a creative approach to find resources and opportunities available to team up with individuals with disabilities to access the community where we live, work and play. We have this knowledge because the majority of our staff and board of directors have disabilities. RAMP staff meets individuals with disabilities where they are at and together as a team we take them where they want to go. We advocate for the implementation of current laws, promotion of needed legislation and improvement of existing systems for people with disabilities while working to diminish negative attitudes that threaten to impede equal access. For more information about RAMP, call 815-968-7467 or visit www.rampcil.org.
PLEASE NOTE:
In case of inclement weather please see the following website for updates, www.815riverrun.com
Race Map/Route
View 5K Race Route
View Half Marathon Race Route
Please note: The course is open from 6:30am-10:45am after which time course support will NOT be available.
Refund Policy
Because this is a fundraising event, refunds will not be offered for any reason, including cancellation due to hazardous or inclement weather or mandatory social distancing.
FAQ
When is packet pickup?
Packet pick will be Thursday, August 13th from 12:00pm-6:00pm at RAMP, 202 Market Street, Rockford, Illinois or Saturday morning beginning at 6:30 a.m. at the event.
When/Where do I turn in my donations for RAMP?
You may turn in your donations at packet pickup the morning of the event. For more info, contact RAMP at 815-968-7467.
What happens if I cannot participate for any reason?
There are no medical comps, rollovers, refunds, or transfers of any kind.
Can I register on race day?
Yes! Race day registration and packet pickup is from 6:30-7:00 a.m at the City Market Pavilion. Race day registration costs $40 for the 3K and 5K and $75 for the 1/2 Marathon Run. To speed up the process you may print off and fill out the brochure.
Am I guaranteed a race shirt?
No. Race shirts are only guaranteed to those who register by July 20th. After that, shirts will be first come first serve based on availability, so register early! New this year for an additional cost receive a crewneck sweatshirt instead of a t-shirt.
If you raise $50 for RAMP by July 20th, you will earn a RAMP event t-shirt!
What are the age brackets for the Half Marathon and 5K?
They are broken into male and female brackets into the following age groups:
8 & under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+
Parking
Please park at Trinity Lutheran Church, up and down Market and Water Streets, the lot across the street from RAMP and the lot behind RAMP’s parking lot where Register Star employees park.
Street Closings
We apologize in advance for the inconvenience of the following streets being closed on Saturday, August 15th from 7-11am: Lower Jefferson, Lafayette, Prairie, Madison, Hill & Olive Streets
Can I bring my stroller/dog?
Baby joggers/strollers are not permitted on the Half Marathon course. However baby joggers and strollers are permitted on the 3K Walk/Wheel course and the 5K Run course. If you plan to run/walk with a stroller, please position yourself near the back of the starting line. The only animals allowed on the courses are service dogs, please leave your dog at home. Thank you!
RACE CLASSES: Standard Road or TT Bike Ability Categories Cat.1-2 Cat -3 Cat 4-5 Women Cat 1-2 Women Cat 3 Women 4-5 Men & Women Sunday, April 26 & August 30, 9am start – 1 minute intervals Deer Run Forest Preserve, 5691 River Rd, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 http://www.rockrivermultisport.com/ COURSE: 20 Kilometer out and back course. Start line is at Deer Run Forest Preserve. From start line ride South for 3mi. then turn right onto Fairdale Rd./East Line Rd for 5.5 miles. Turn around at mark and return on same course to the finish line. Course Marshall at turn & turn around Cherry Valley 20k TT - https://www.strava.com/routes/28937060 REGISTRATION: Entry Fee: Pre-registration: Adults $30 before August 23d.-$35 after the 23dth. and $40 day of race. Juniors 18 & under $5. Race 2nd time to compete in 2nd race class or for a faster time $10. Online registration at: https://www.bikereg.com/cherry-valley-20k-time-trial closes August 22nd 2026. Day of Event: Opens at 8:00am at Deer Run Forest
Preserve, rear picnic area. By Mail: Submit ABR Release Form with entry fee payable to: Rock River Multisport Mail to: Rick Green - 612 Angelica Ln. Roscoe, IL. 61073 ABR-American Bicycle Racing membership required. Annual $30, Junior $15, One day $10 Purchase online at: ABR membership:https://raceroster.com/events/2026/120283/american-bicycle-racing-annual-one-day-membership getmeregistered.com DIRECTIONS: Cherry Valley is located Southeast of Rockford. From Chicago or Madison take I-90 (toll) or I-39 to Hwy 20 (not business 20). East on Hwy 20, turn right onto Mill Rd then left on E State Rd, East on E. State Rd, right onto Walnut St, left onto Genoa St, a mile to right on River Rd., River Rd to Deer Run Forest Preserve. Guidelines: ? Pit toilets open at back of Preserve parking lot. ? Rider numbers pick up at event. ? Start, Finish, Arrows, Turnaround signs posted. ? Official will give start countdown for each rider. ? Start line with 6 foot wait line markers at start area. ? Official
Timer at finish line. Start list here: Aug 22:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WbtCStgc-vEsEbjeH0KUYts3K8I1q1b3UzdYz3jvz4k/edit?usp=sharing
Questions: Email: Rick Green, [email protected] or text 815-621-6030
This is a 5K Run/Walk that starts on the track at Amboy High School. It serpentines past the Elementary School, the old Jr. High School through the Sports Park and concludes in front of the historic train depot. This is a USATF Certified Course. The course itself is relatively flat and allows for fast race times. This is one of three events sponsored by the Amboy Education Foundation. Our singular goal is to provide resources to the Amboy School District to aid teachers and students.
Join us for the 9th Annual Tiger 10 Miler Trail Race presented by Byron Bank! This exciting race will take runners on ten miles of twists, turns, and hills within the Byron Forest Preserve and the more secluded Nardi Equine Prairie. All participants will receive a custom finisher's medal, shirt and our unique age group awards go 3 deep in 5-year brackets. Overall male & female winners and also male and female masters winners will receive awards and a cash prize. Special awards will be given to five year finishers of the Tiger 10 Miler. Those five years don't have to be consecutive, just five total finishes. This is a "cup free" race so please bring your handheld water bottle or hydration pack as we won't have paper cups at our three aid stations in order to keep our trails clean and be environmentally friendly. Following the race, the after party will be held at Hairy Cow Brewing Company from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Race participants will kick back and enjoy complementary pizza while
awards, cash prizes, and door prizes are distributed! "Like" or "follow" us on the socials @Tiger10Miler for updates and pictures of the course.
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m.* - 11:00 a.m.
Check-in: 7:00-7:45 a.m. at the Byron Forest Preserve Jarrett Prairie Center
Packet Pickup:
Pre-race: Friday 9/18 at the Byron Park District front desk 5pm-8:30pm. 500 N. Colfax St. Door 55, Byron, IL 61010
Race day: packet pickup at the race site 7am-7:45am.
Location: Byron Forest Preserve
Fee:
$60/person on or before July 6th
$70/person July 7th - August 30th (8/30 is the last day to guarantee a shirt)
$80/person August 31 - race day.
*Online registration closes at noon on Friday 9/18.
Age groups:
0 - 19 Yrs
20 Yrs - 24 Yrs
25 Yrs - 29 Yrs
30 Yrs- 34 Yrs
35 Yrs- 39 Yrs
40 Yrs- 44 Yrs
45 Yrs- 49 Yrs
50 Yrs- 54 Yrs
55 Yrs- 59 Yrs
60 Yrs- 64 Yrs
65 Yrs- 69 Yrs
70 Yrs & Older
DeKalb Corn Classic 10K & 5K
We are looking forward to September 28, 2025!
Beginning and ending in Downtown DeKalb, the route will take runners through historical neighborhoods, along the Kishwaukee River via Prairie Park, through NIU's campus and Huskie Stadium and ending in Van Buer Plaza with a Post Race Celebration! On Course Entertainment includes the Huskie Marching Band, NIU Jazz Band and Steelband!
Our roots run strong and we look forward to gathering for the 45th DeKalb Corn Classic!
Running Forward Together – Always.
#DeKalbCornClassic #RunForwardTogether
Take in the spectacular scenery at the Autumn Leaf Run. It's open to all ages and all skill levels of runners, walkers and nature enthusiasts. The 5k trail loops through diverse terrain including wide tree-lined trails, moderate hills, prairie areas, bridge crossings and several single track trail sections. The start and finish lines will be in close proximity and the race will be timed using a chip timing system. All proceeds go to the Freeport Parks Foundation to help fund upcoming projects at Oakdale Nature Preserve Park.
Set in the beautiful town of Rock Falls, Illinois, the Sauk Valley Apple Cider Run Half Marathon, sponsored by 7:24 Fitness on the Rock, is perfect for runners of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just starting out on your fitness journey, the challenging yet scenic course will keep you motivated and engaged from start to finish.
Starting and ending at Selmi’s Greenhouse and Farm Market, participants will be treated to gorgeous views of the local countryside, including rolling hills and picturesque farmland. The 13.17-mile course is carefully designed to provide a challenging yet rewarding experience for runners, with an elevation gain of 353 feet and two key segments that test your strength and endurance.
One of the course’s highlights is the Dillon Home to Sinnissippi segment, which takes runners through a serene wooded area and across the sparkling Rock River. The Walking Bridge Heading South segment is another must-see, featuring stunning views of the river and the local landscape.
But it’s not just the course that makes this race so special. Participants will also be treated to some wonderful post-race perks, including plenty of apple cider and apple donuts. Plus, stick around and enjoy music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks as you take in everything at Selmi’s.
And the best part? Fifty percent of this year’s proceeds will be donated to local charitable organizations, so you’ll not only be doing something good for yourself but also giving back to the community.
With its breathtaking views, challenging course, and post-race perks, this is one race you won’t want to miss. Sign up early to take advantage of early-bird pricing!
Our NEW location this year allows us to continue to make wishes happen with our 7k run or 1.5 mile walk! Join us at MercyHealth Sportscore Two (Indoor Sports Center) for this year's race followed by a fun indoor afterparty!
Bring JOY to young adults, and their families, fighting cancer. Most pediatric support programs age out at 18 and adult programs start at 25 leaving a gap for young adults. Our mission is to bridge that gap and deliver joy to young adults aged 18-24 battling cancer!
Nik's Home Run is our biggest fundraiser of the year and makes granting more wishes possible. It all takes place on Saturday, October 10th at MercyHealth Sportscore Two. The gates open at 8:00 AM for check-in and registration. The Run & Walk start at 9:00 AM.
Your registration includes:
*T-Shirt and Swag Bag