24 running, walking, fun run, and other events in Springfield, Illinois

2025–26 Iceman Series

Extend your running season through the winter with the 2025–26 Iceman Series — a progressive set of races designed to keep you motivated and moving in the cold months.

Points Series (December & January)

• 15 points for participating

• 1 point for each kilometer you run

• Age-group points (5-year brackets): 15 for 1st, 14 for 2nd, 13 for 3rd, and so on

👉 View last year’s Points Series results

February Half Marathon Event

The February 7th Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K are separate from the points contest:

• Half Marathon: Finisher medal, Iceman shirt, and awards for top finishers.

• 10K & 5K: Finisher medal, t-shirt, and awards for the top 3 male and female finishers overall.

Series Bonus

New this year — runners who sign up for the full series will receive an Iceman Series quarter-zip shirt at the first event (in addition to the Iceman shirt at the Half Marathon).

Post-Race Perks

Each event begins and ends at a local restaurant or bar. Your registration includes a $5 coupon for food and drinks after your run. Every race offers both a short-distance and long-distance option.

Race Schedule

• Saturday, December 13 — 10K (6.2 miles) & 5K

The Corner Pub & Grill — 3271 W. Iles Ave (Iles & Koke Mill, Springfield, IL)

Venue Confirmed

• Saturday, December 27 — 12K (7.46 miles) & 5K

Home Plate Bar & Grill — 2571 S. Koke Mill Rd (Koke Mill & Ginger Creek, Springfield, IL)

Venue Confirmed

• Saturday, January 10 — 15K (9.32 miles), 10K & 5K

Sangamo Brewery — 109 E. Mulberry St, Chatham, IL 62629

Venue Confirmed

• Saturday, January 24 — 18K (11.18 miles), 10K & 5K

Harvest Market — West White Oaks Plaza, Springfield, IL

Venue Confirmed

• Saturday, February 7 — Half Marathon (13.1 miles), 10K & 5K

Engrained Brewery — 1120 W. Lincolnshire Blvd (near SCHEELS, Springfield, IL)

Venue Confirmed

Sign up today and be a part of one of Central Illinois’ most exciting winter running traditions.

Join us on Saturday, April 11, 2026 as runners from many states and countries take in Abraham Lincoln sites during this scenic half marathon. This USATF certified course will immerse you in Lincoln history unlike any other race!

​The race starts at the Old State Capitol where Lincoln gave his famous House Divided speech. Just across the plaza from the Capitol, within the first quarter mile of the race, is the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices. This is the only building still standing where Lincoln practiced law during in his 25-year career. Not even a mile into the race, runners go back in time for two blocks, passing by the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned. During mile nine, runners enter Oak Ridge cemetery and are able to view Lincoln's final resting place. Mile 10 takes runners through the local city park named after the 16th president. During the final mile of the race, runners will pass by historic Union Train station directly adjacent to the Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library, which is just one block from the finish line.

​So much history in just 13.1 miles! Whether you are interested Lincoln history or not, we promise this race is well worth it!

Expo: 4pm – 8pm on Friday at the Old State Capitol - 1 N Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701. We will have some awesome vendors and sponsors this year that will be on hand with giveaways & information. ​

Friday Packet Pickup: Packet pickup will be held at the Old State Capitol - 1 N Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701 from 4-8pm on Friday.

Race Morning Packet Pickup: Will take place at the Old State Capitol from 6:30am-7:15am. This is right near the start line. We strongly recommend getting packets the night before the race. Plus, you will get to see all the exciting new vendors!

Registration closes 7:00am on race day or when sold out. You must register from your own device, there is no paper registration.

Race start time: 7:30am

Race cut off: 3 hours 30 minutes, approximately a 16 minute pace.

*Shirts and jackets are available until inventory runs out. So if your size is showing available when you register, it's yours!

Join us for a 5K Fun Run/Walk benefiting the American Heart Association, proudly sponsored by the Miss Illinois Scholarship Organization. This event is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels - whether you run, jog, or walk, every step makes a difference.

Proceeds from this event will support life - saving research, education, and advocacy efforts aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease and improving heart health. Together, we will honor the lives lost to cardiovascular disease and support survivors and their families who continue to face its challenges every day.

Come together as a community to raise awareness, celebrate strength, and resilience, and help build a future with healthier hearts for all. Lace up your shoes, wear red, and help us make an impact - one step at a time.

At registration there will be hearts to put the name of your loved one who you run/walk for. Red = Survivors; White = For loved ones we lost

Half-Wits and SRRC Members are invited to a post race bRUNch party at Floyd’s Thirst Parlor/3rd Shift Kitchen to celebrate the half marathon and the start of a great running season!

This event is for any person that ran with the HalfWits and/or is a current SRRC member. Not a member, but you want to attend the brunch? No problem, join the club at SRRC.net!

Registration is free but it is mandatory as this event has a limited capacity of 80 people. Register EARLY! Registration will close once we hit 80 and walk-ins or further RSVP’s will NOT be allowed once we hit our capacity.

Start time: 9:00 am

End time: Noon

Buffet Style Menu:

-Sausage gravy with biscuits

-Thick cut hickory bacon and sausage patties

-Scrambled eggs with chives and sour cream

-Roasted breakfast potatoes with herbs and brown butter -Mixed fruits

-Biscuits/ toast with jams and butter

-Selection of breakfast pastries

-Vegetarian hash

-Coffee, juice, soft drinks (complimentary)

*Cash bar available.

This Earth Day Weekend we celebrate more than just miles — we celebrate color, culture, community, and the Earth beneath our feet. Inspired by the spirit of Holi, the festival of colors, this event reminds us that life is meant to be lived vibrantly, joyfully, and together.

As we run, dance to Bollywood beats, and play with colors, we are also planting seeds of impact. This fundraiser supports community gardens — spaces where fresh food grows, neighbors connect, children learn about sustainability, and communities flourish.

Every splash of color today represents hope.

Every step forward supports greener spaces.

Every smile strengthens our community.

So let’s run with energy, celebrate with heart, and grow something beautiful — together.

Happy Holi, Happy Earth Day, and let the colors fly!

Proceeds to benefit 'The Motherland Community Project'.

Color Me Holi 5k Run!

• 9:00 am - Registration

• 10:00 am - Run/Walk

• 11 am-12 pm - Join the fun with Holi color-play & high energy dance moves to Bollywood music, in a 30 minute Zumba.

• 11 am-12 pm - Henna Tattoo station! - Experience Temporary Mehendi Tattoos!

• 11 am-12 pm - Kids Fun zone! - Face Painting for kids, Kids Arts and crafts.

Boxed food pick up.

Register by April 10th to be guaranteed a t-shirt with your registration.

Finisher awards including medals & certificates for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place runners in each age bracket (10-year brackets).

Boxed food will be provided to all registrants.

Each mile we complete helps fund soil, seeds, tools, and education that will empower families and beautify our neighborhoods.

Today, we don’t just run — we plant possibilities.

Let’s grow together.

Register Now!

What is the Sangamon Cycling Series?

The Sangamon Cycling Series (SCS) is a four-month training program designed to help cyclists build fitness over the summer and connect with other cyclists. The program is organized by the Springfield Bicycle Club. Your registration includes entry into four supported rides starting at various locations in the Sangamon County, Illinois area. Each ride features different distances ranging from 25 miles to 100 miles. It's your choice which distance to ride. The SCS is a great way to train for the Capital City Century held in Sherman, Illinois on September 19, 2026.

https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Sherman/CapitalCityCentury

Are Beginners Welcome?

The Sangamon Cycling Series is for all levels of cyclists. There are typically groups at speeds ranging from 10 mph up to 20+. We do ask that you be familiar with safety rules and it helps to be comfortable riding in a group environment. Routes are not marked, so it helps to be comfortable navigating by GPS, although that's not required. We try to line up volunteers to lead groups at different speeds.

Where are the Rides?

The tentative schedule for the four rides is as follows:

All rides start at 8:00 AM

• SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2026

EVENT 1 - Pawnee

• SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2026

EVENT 2 - Chatham

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2026

EVENT 3 - Auburn Community Park

• SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026

EVENT 4 - Athens

What Does Registration Cover?

We'd love to offer this series at no cost, but the small registration fee helps the Springfield Bicycle Club cover insurance and support expenses. For your registration fee, you'll receive nutrition and hydration, SAG support in the event of a mechanical breakdown, and a light post-ride meal.

The Springfield Bicycle Club is excited to renew our popular Sangamon Gravel Series, and rebrand as the Thunder Road Gravel tour! Last year we brought you all together for a series of rides around Springfield. This year, we're expanding the series to a wider region!

Join us for a series of rides from May through August and explore what the central Illinois has to offer when you venture off of the beaten path. Ride specifics are TBD, but expect something in the ballpark of 30 and 60 mile options with a convenience store stop in the middle. After each ride, we'll have an optional takeover of a local brewery/bar/restaurant.

This is a no-cost series, so there will be no SAG offered. As a gravel rider, you're probably already self-sufficient enough to fix a flat or minor mechanical on the road and if you're not, make some friends out there! But that's just the basic highlights.

Points-Based Competition

The most exciting part of the series will be a points-based competition. Each route will have a few gravel segments selected where riders will have the option of competing to do their best efforts. Points will be awarded based on the best times set that day on Strava, with leaderboards tracked for men and women.

While the rides are is not a race, our encouragement of competition on the points segments means that we will use BikeSignup.com so that we can track participants and waivers. This is a no-cost registration, but it will be mandatory for points competition eligibility. Whether you want to get out for a fun spin around some gravel roads you may not have ridden yet, put down some blistering times on the competitive segments, or just get miles rides in with great friends and scenery, we hope you'll join us!!

Dates and locations:

• May 23 - Cuba IL, collaborating with Gravel Syndicate

• June 13 - TBD

• July 11 - Winchester IL, collaborating with Rural Cyclery

• August 9 - TBD

This event will be updated with routes and details as we approach each event, and you can keep current with discussion and details on our Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/782650436593916

Route collection - https://ridewithgps.com/collections/3961753

Routes will be posted as we approach each ride.

Abe's Army is a 12 week program to get runners and walkers of all abilities to their best finish at Abe's Amble 5k/10k in August. You must be a SRRC member to join, the option to join the club is included in this registration. The program starts May 25, 2026 and runs through race day. Register early to be guaranteed a shirt!

Children under the age of 16 are welcome to join; however, they MUST be under the direct supervision of a parent/guardian and will be assigned to the same group.

Abe's Army Registration Fee includes:

• Supportive leaders, training advice and new running friends!

• Abe's Army performance tech shirt

• Training plan and printable log sheet

• Race entry for Abe's Amble 5k/10k

• Finisher's medal for Abe's Amble AND Abe's Army

• Access to professional medical advice related to running

• Water stops for Monday training runs

• Access to Abe's Army online training Facebook group

• End-of-season catered picnic in the park

• 10% Discount at Springfield Running Center during the program

Ride for a reason on a once in a lifetime journey experiencing the challenge of cycling over great distances and at the same time, encounter amazing Gold Star Family members and others in the community as they share stories of the lives of our Illinois Fallen Military Service Members.

On September 22, 2026 cyclists will begin a 500-mile bicycle journey, known as the Gold Star 500, through communities starting in Chester, Granite City, St Louis, Edwardsville, Staunton, Litchfield, Carlinville, Virden, Chatham, Springfield, Williamsville, Atlanta, Bloomington, Lexington, Pontiac, Dwight, Joliet, Plainfield, Aurora, St Charles, Sycamore, Hampshire, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, and end the ride in Schaumburg.. This is our 10th Annual Gold Star 500 which works to preserve the legacy and honor of those military service men and service women from Illinois who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of service to this great nation. In addition to the 5 day, 500-mile ride, we are keeping the options for 1-day and 3-day rides. All proceeds go to fund scholarships and our Fallen Hero History Project Videos honoring the lives of our Fallen Military Service Members, thus preserving their legacy forever.

This ride raises funds through event registration, fund raising, corporate & business sponsors and grants, and generous individual donations. As an all volunteer organization, over 95% of all funds are used to carry on the names and the stories of the Fallen Military Service Members. Wanting a small taste of what it is like to be on the ride, watch this video.

https://youtu.be/XfqgzE_uJEA

Come and join our mission.

www.goldstarmission.org

The latest edition of the Lincoln Memorial Garden 8K Trail Race and associated Kids Fun Run in Springfield, Illinois is scheduled to be held on Saturday May 30, 2026. Eight kilometers (4.97 miles) of trails – with the course entirely situated within the Garden - will test runners’ stamina over the scenic trails and pathways of the historic Garden, along the trails next to Lake Springfield, and throughout the Ostermeier Prairie Center grounds.

We greatly appreciate the following very positive comments from previous races:

“The course was well laid out and marked, the staff was very helpful,

and the snacks and drinks after were very welcomed.”

“Thanks for the great race. I really enjoyed it!”

“This was one of the best marked trails I have ever been on. There wasn’t

a chance anyone could get lost on that course.”

“You made a lot of runners happy bringing this race back and doing such an amazing job with it.”

And, not to be left out, the kids can enjoy a Fun Run around the pond at the Cawley Meadow.

On-line registration will open on February 1, 2026 See the different registration prices below. Register early and receive a $5 discount off the regular price for the 8K.

Race Particulars

Race Date: Saturday May 30, 2026 (No rain date is scheduled and there are no refunds available for this race).

8K Start Time: 7:30 a.m. Kids Fun Run Start Time: 9:00 a.m.

Registration site: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Springfield/LincolnMemorialGarden

Registration will open on February 1, 2026.

8K Trail Race - Early Registration is $32; $37 after April 15, 2026 plus a variable signup fee.

You will need to register on your own phone/computer; there will be no manual registration or on-site computers for registration at packet pickup or on race day.

Registration is open to a maximum of 300 participants. Each participant receives a shirt and a wooden medallion at race finish. Food and drinks are provided after the race to participants. For both the 8K and Fun Runs, receipt of a shirt is guaranteed if registration is received before TBD. Registration remains open until 15 minutes before race time or until the 300-person participation limit is reached, whichever is sooner.

Kids Fun Run - No limit on number of participants. Registration is $10 plus a variable signup fee. Each participant receives a t-shirt and a finishing medal. Age groups: 4 and under, 5-7, 8 and over. The Youngest age group will run a straightaway next to the pond (34 yards); the Middle group runs one lap around the pond (225 yards); and the Older kids will run 2 laps around the pond (415 yards). Registration ends 15 minutes before race time. You will need to register on your own phone/computer; there will be no manual registration or on-site computers for registration at packet pickup or on race day.

Packet pickup: Friday from 4-6 p.m. at the Springfield Running Center, 2943 W. White Oaks Drive, Springfield. Race-day pickup at LMG starts at 6:30 a.m.

The 8K is a no-spike race – the start/finish area is sidewalk and porous pavement. There are also many wood-plank bridges throughout the course that spikes would damage. The bulk of the course is wood-chipped trails, fine-chip gravel trails, and grass trails. There is also a short length of gravel driveway.

Elevation Data and Course Map: https://runsignup.com/Race/LincolnMemorialGarden/Page/CourseMap

Awards for the 8K will be given to the winning man, woman, and non-binary finishers and to the first finishing man and woman Masters runners (40 and over). These race winners and Masters winners will also receive a $50 gift card to the Springfield Running Center (Thank you, Tracy!). Awards will also be presented to the second finishing non-binary runner and to the top three men and top three women finishers in the following age groups: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and over. Registrants selecting "Prefer not to say" under gender selection are not eligible for awards.

Special Project: Would you be willing to add a donation to your registration fee for a Special Project? Thanks to these extra donations from runners, LMG has purchased a spotting scope and tripod for wildlife viewing, an audio system for the bird feeder area to enhance visitor experience, and shade material for an enlarged covered stage area, which will be used to help keep our summer camp kids from getting too much sun during their activities. Thank you, runners!!

LMG website: https://lincolnmemorialgarden.org/

Thank you for your participation and support of Lincoln Memorial Garden!

Celebrate 100 Years of America’s Most Iconic Highway at the Centennial Route 66 5K

Step onto history and lace up for a truly one-of-a-kind race experience at the Centennial Route 66 5K, taking place June 6, 2026, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. This special event honors the 100th anniversary of Historic Route 66, blending running, nostalgia, and classic Americana into one unforgettable morning.

The race kicks off promptly at 8:00 AM from the Gate 2 Route 66 Experience exhibit, surrounded by vintage signage, roadside history, and the unmistakable spirit of the Mother Road. From there, runners head out on a scenic loop through the fairgrounds, soaking in the historic charm and energy of one of Illinois’ most iconic venues.

The Signature Moment

The highlight of the course is a full one-mile stretch on the legendary Illinois State Fair Grandstand Track—the same oval that has hosted generations of racing legends, concerts, and State Fair memories. It’s racing on a racetrack—literally. As a bonus, your official 1-mile split time will be captured, giving runners a fun benchmark inside the race.

Whether you’re chasing a personal best, running for the joy of it, or simply celebrating a century of Route 66, every participant becomes part of this historic milestone.

Awards & Recognition

All finishers will receive a custom-designed finisher medal created specifically for the Centennial Route 66 5K. Awards will be presented to top overall finishers and age-group winners in 5-year brackets, ensuring competitive excitement for runners of all ages and abilities.

Run the road that defined a nation. Race the track known as the Magic Mile.

Register today and be part of history—where Route 66 meets the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Registration closes what capacity is reached, or at 5PM the day before the race. To participate in the event, you must complete your registration by this time.

Y NINJA is a fun Obstacle Course Run for kids. All fees are per person. There will be a variety of inflatable and constructed obstacles across the grounds of Kerasotes YMCA. Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. 1st - 2nd -3rd place finishers receive a prize and award ceremony after the run.

There will be wet obstacles near the end of the course so dress appropriately. All runners can rerun the cross several times after the timed runs until 1 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: You will not be able to wear any type of shoes in the inflatable obstacles so plan ahead to wear easily removable shoes, or run barefoot, or in socks. The course will be on grass. All fees are per person. Proceeds benefit YMCA STRONG KIDS FUND to provide a Y Experience for underserved, at risk youth , and those with diverse abilities in our community.

Timeline

NOTE: Pro Wave is for Kids who run fast times or have placed high in previous Y Ninja

10:00 - Ages 11-15 Pro (Awards: Top 3M and Top 3F)

10:05 - Ages 11-15 Recreational (Awards: Top 3M and Top 3F)

10:15 - Ages 8-10 Pro (Awards: Top 3M and Top 3F)

10:20 - Ages 8-10 Recreational (Awards: Top 3M and Top 3F)

10:30 - Ages 5-7 Pro (Awards: Top 3M and Top 3F)

10:35 - Ages 5-7 Recreational (Awards: Top 3M and Top 3F)

10:45 - Ages 11-15 + Adult (Award: Top 3 Overall)

11:00 - Ages 8-10 + Adult (Award: Top 3 Overall)

11:15 - Ages 5-7 + Adult (Award: Top 3 Overall)

11:30 - Open Course. Complete the course as much as you'd like before 12:30. Registration required. No time, no bib, no shirt, no medal.

A fun run/walk for all ages and abilities!

The race will support the NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to continue funding a variety of items/programs to support our tiniest patients at HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital.

Please come join us for this great fundraising event!

Click here if you are interested in donating. You will also have an opportunity to donate when you sign up for the event.

ALERT: T-shirt cut off is Monday, June 1st. No guarantee of a shirt after that date.

Race Time:

Your overall finish time (chip start & finish) will be recorded and text messaged to your cell phone immediately after you finish. Results for everyone will be uploaded to RunSignUp.com after the race as well.

Awards:

• Finisher medal for all participants.

• Award Medals for Overall 1st, 2nd & 3rd place finishers for male and female in the 3K & 5K.

• Medallions to pin on your finisher medal will go to the top 3 male and female finishers in each age bracket.

• Brackets: 9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 and above.

• Awards to the top fundraising team and top fundraising individual.

BE A FUNDRAISING CHAMPION

Create your own personal fundraising page here! Fundraise as an individual or as a team! You'll be given the option when you sign up for the race to become a fundraising champion or join an existing fundraising team.

Join the fun and be a champion fundraiser! Click here: CHAMPION FUNDRAISER

• Awards to the top fundraising team and top fundraising individual.

PRE-EVENT PACKET PICK-UP

Friday, June 19th, 10 am until 6 pm

Packet Pickup with be on the 1st floor at the Hollis Building, 3051 Hollis Drive, Springfield.

Be ready to go before you arrive at the run!

RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP

Race day pick up starts at 7:30am - Best to pickup at the HOLLIS Bldg. on 6/19 if you can.

VOLUNTEERS

• Packet pick-up -

SIGN UP here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EAEAB2FA6F5CE9-55661784-packet

• Race Day -

SIGN UP here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EAEAB2FA6F5CE9-55942153-lm5k

Thank you sponsors!

• CEFCU, CAPITOL MEDIA GROUP, REDEFINE HC, SCHEELS, SPRINGFIELD PEPSI-COLA

Celebrate 250 Years of American Independence at the 2026 Freedom Run! 🇺🇸

Fastscore Race Timing and Productions is proud to present the 2026 Fourth of July Freedom Run at Centennial Park — a truly historic edition as we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the formation of the United States of America.

On July 4, 2026, runners and walkers will gather at sunrise to honor a nation founded on freedom, perseverance, and bold vision. There’s no better way to celebrate America’s birthday than moving forward together — one stride at a time.

🏅 All-American Trail Trek Series

The Freedom Run is the 2nd trail trek in the All-American Trail Trek Series, a three-race journey celebrating iconic local trails and patriotic dates:

Abe Lincoln Trail Trek – April 4

Freedom Run – July 4

Washington Park Trail Trek – September 5

Register for all three races and earn:

☕ A commemorative All-American Trail Trek coffee mug. Click Here To See Logo

⌚ Automatic entry into a drawing for a Garmin Forerunner watch

Race Day Experience

The race begins at the top of Centennial Park Hill, sending participants downhill into a scenic and spirited finish that mirrors the momentum of a nation built on progress.

• 5K – Extended through the wildlife sanctuary

• 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk – A shortened, accessible route for all ages

• 10K – Featuring the Sangamon Valley Trail for those ready to go the distance

All races are chip-timed with a 7:30 AM start, beginning at the top of the hill and finishing at the bottom.

Packet Pickup

Race-day packet pickup begins at 6:15 AM near the finish line at the Sangamon Valley Trail & Bunker Hill Road trailhead.

Post-Race Celebration

Cross the finish line on the south side of the hill and celebrate America’s 250th birthday with breakfast food, drinks, and patriotic spirit as the community comes together for this milestone moment.

The Fun Run/Walk follows the same general route but does not enter the wildlife sanctuary.

Swag & Awards

Every participant receives a Freedom Run commemorative finisher t-shirt and medal, honoring this once-in-a-generation anniversary.

Awards will be presented to:

• Top overall male and female finishers

• Top finishers in each 10-year age bracket (from 10 & under through 80+)

This isn’t just another Fourth of July race — it’s a celebration of 250 years of freedom, community, and the enduring American spirit.

Run with purpose. Run with history. Run for freedom.