Illinois · 5K

2026-2027 5K Races in Illinois

Every upcoming 5K in Illinois, all 268 of them, sorted by date. Dates, entry fees, finish-time stats from past results, and start-line maps.

268 upcoming 5K races · 116 with finish-time stats

10K Races 76Half Marathons 57Marathons 7Ultramarathons 4
Open map ↗

By the numbers

The Biggest and Longest-Running

The Illinois races that stand out on the numbers: the biggest field, and the longest unbroken run of editions.

Largest field2,362 finishersPilgrim Pie Run for Rotaryin the 5KLongest-running29th year29th Annual Firecracker 5kannual tradition

Illinois 5K Races by City

Chicago 46Wheaton 6Belleville 6Springfield 5Shorewood 4Elk Grove Village 4Herrin 3Rockford 3Edwardsville 3Normal 3Lisle 3Byron 3Rolling Meadows 3Oswego 2Lincolnshire 2Wheeling 2McLeansboro 2Urbana 2New Lenox 2Aurora 2Bourbonnais 2Peoria 2Crystal Lake 2Robinson 2

5K Races in Illinois by Month

October 2026 32November 2026 85December 2026 32January 2027 10February 2027 6March 2027 14April 2027 17May 2027 26June 2027 20August 2027 6September 2027 10

The Next 5K Runs in Illinois

268 total
Sat, Sep 26, 2026The F.I.R.M. Family 5K Fun Run Springfield, IL5KFrom $35Details Sat, Oct 24, 2026Dr. J. Noonan Legacy 5K Anywhere, IL5KFrom $25Details Sun, Oct 25, 2026Hot Cider Hustle - Wheaton 8 Mile Run & 5K Run/Walk Wheaton, IL8 Miles5KRegistration closedFrom $60Details Sun, Oct 25, 2026Haunted Oak 5K Homer Glen, IL5KFrom $45Details Sun, Oct 25, 2026Fraidycat 5k,8k & Meow Mile Oswego, IL8K5K1 MileFrom $55Details Sun, Oct 25, 2026Tri-State Warrior Run Quincy, IL1 Mile5K10KHalf MarathonRegistration closedFrom $30Details Sun, Oct 25, 2026Governors State University Jaguar 5K University Park, IL5K1 MileFrom $35Details Sun, Oct 25, 2026Spooky Sprint - Greater Chicago Shorewood, IL50m1 Mile5K10KFrom $50Details Sun, Oct 25, 2026Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km Chicago, ILHalf Marathon5KFrom $69Details Sun, Oct 25, 2026Riverside Foundation Halloween Hustle 5K Walk or Run Lincolnshire, IL5KFrom $55Details Sun, Oct 25, 2026Howl-o-ween 5k - Dan Ryan Woods Chicago, IL5KFrom $45Details Sun, Oct 25, 20262026 5k Foot Pursuit Fairview Heights, IL5KRegistration closedFrom $35Details

How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Oct 25, 2026.

Common Questions About Running a 5K in Illinois

Which Illinois cities have the most 5K races?

Chicago (46), Wheaton (6), Belleville (6), Springfield (5) lead the state for 5K races. Those give you the most dates to choose from if your schedule is tight.

When are most 5K races held in Illinois?

November is the busiest month for 5K races in Illinois, with 85 of the 268, followed by October with 37. If you are flexible on the date, that is the quickest way to narrow things down.

Are Illinois 5K races beginner-friendly?

Yes, for the most part. Across the 116 5K races in Illinois with published results, the typical median finish is around 35:06, which means half of every one of those fields came in slower than that. Recreational runners and walk-runners are the bulk of these fields, not the exception.

Are there trail 5K races in Illinois?

Yes, 4 races around Illinois get you off the pavement: 2 are trail races, and 2 mix road and trail.