10 walking events in Springfield, Illinois

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!

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

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!

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.