5Ks in Illinois

Illinois has 309 upcoming 5Ks. The 5K is the most popular race distance in America — short enough for first-timers, fast enough for seasoned runners chasing a PR.

309 upcoming races listed

Fun races Scenic races Competitive races Quirky races Festive races For a Cause races Beginner-friendly

Neighborhood Co-op Feed Your Neighbor 5K

Run or walk this family-friendly 5K to support the Good Samaritan House, helping neighbors in need right in Carbondale.

Fun
Competitive
Quirky
For a Cause

Fri, Apr 10, 2026, 6:00 PM CDT3.1 MilesCarbondale, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Family-oriented

BlueForCrewe 5k

A community 5k run and walk in Stewardson, Illinois, dedicated to the loving memory of Crewe Jones and supporting Trinity Lutheran School.

For a Cause

Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT3.1 MilesStewardson, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Flat · Timed race

Wild Blossom Wine Run 5k

Run, walk, and toast your accomplishment with a pour of wine at this delightful 5k event.

Fun
Competitive
Quirky

Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT5KChicago, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Flat · Timed race

Jefferson School Color Run 5K

Run, walk, and get colorful at this fun 5K benefiting Jefferson School in Carmi, IL. A vibrant way to support local education.

Inaugural
Fun
Quirky
Festive
For a Cause

Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 8:30 AM CDT3.1 MilesCarmi, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Flat · Timed race

Hornet Hustle

Run or walk to support local cross country athletes and celebrate the expansion of Lions Park's walking path in this community 5K.

Inaugural
Fun
Scenic
For a Cause

Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 9:00 AM CDT5KHarvard, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Mixed · Rolling · Family-oriented

S2 Faction 5K - Peoria

A competitive 5K in Peoria, offering awards for top overall and age group finishers, backed by Supplement Superstores' 25+ years of support.

Competitive

Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 9:00 AM CDT3.1 MilesPeoria, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

The Joliet Prison Spirits Run

Run a one-of-a-kind 5K loop around the iconic historic Joliet Prison, then celebrate with a drink at Crybabies Tap.

Fun
Scenic
Quirky

Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 10:00 AM CDT5KJoliet, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Forgotten Warrior Memorial 5k

A meaningful 5K run, walk, or ruck honoring veterans and raising awareness for PTSD, set along the scenic I&M Canal.

Scenic
For a Cause

Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 10:00 AM CDT3.1 MilesChannahon, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Duke's Alehouse Spirits Run

An untimed evening 5K with a touch of nighttime magic, ending with a festive celebration and themed drinks at Duke's Alehouse.

Fun
Scenic
Quirky
Festive

Sun, Apr 12, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT5KCrystal Lake, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Walkers welcome

Easterseals Central Illinois Community Rally Run, Walk & Rally 5K/1 Mile

Rally for inclusion and empowerment at this community event supporting Easterseals Central Illinois families with a 5K run or 1-mile walk.

For a Cause

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT3.1 MilesBloomington, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Flat · Timed race

Run for the Dogs - Glenview

Run a scenic 5K with your dog (or without!) to support Chicagoland Lab Rescue, complete with unique dog-themed swag and treats.

Fun
Scenic
Competitive
Quirky
For a Cause

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 8:30 AM CDT5KGlenview, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Flat · Timed race

PRC Pinwheel 5K Run and Fun Walk at Donovan Park (Peoria, IL)

Run or walk for a vital cause at Donovan Park. This cross-country 5K supports child-friendly services in Central Illinois.

Fun
Scenic
Competitive
For a Cause

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 8:30 AM CDT5KPeoria, IL

Steady EffortRUN

Course · Trail · Hilly · Family-oriented

IWU Against Cancer 5k

Run or walk the IWU Against Cancer 5K to support the American Cancer Society and help save lives.

Inaugural
For a Cause

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 9:30 AM EDT3.1 MilesBloomington, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Flat · Timed race

Eckert's Belleville Farm Wine Run 5k

Run or walk a scenic 5K through Eckert's Belleville Farm, then celebrate with wine and a medal that's also a wine stopper.

Fun
Scenic
Competitive
Quirky

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 9:00 AM CDT5KBelleville, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Heart of a Queen 5K Fun Run/Walk

A community 5K honoring Rene Shelton, supporting women's heart health research and advocacy. Walk or run for a vital cause.

Inaugural
Fun
For a Cause

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 9:00 AM CDT5KSpringfield, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Flat · Timed race

Springfest 5K Run/2 Mile Walk

A spring 5K/2M walk on a paved course, offering awards and supporting the Kankakee Area YMCA, perfect for a community run or series challenge.

Competitive
For a Cause

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 9:00 AM CDT3.1 MilesKankakee, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Road · Flat · Timed race

Empower Through Health 5K

Run for a cause in Urbana, IL. This 5K supports global health initiatives in Uganda through the Empower Through Health Global Organization.

For a Cause

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 9:00 AM CDT5KUrbana, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Flat · Timed race

Color, Courage & Change 5K and Fun Run

A vibrant color run and community celebration supporting survivors of sexual violence, offering both competitive and relaxed paces for all ages.

Fun
Competitive
Quirky
Festive
For a Cause

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 9:00 AM CDT5KSalem, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Flat · Timed race

Steps for Stronger Lungs 5K

Move with purpose at the Steps for Stronger Lungs 5K, supporting families impacted by Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

For a Cause

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 10:00 AM CDT3.1 MilesPittsfield, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

FinFit Life 5K Fitness Challenge - Chicago, IL

A community 5K in Chicago supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Project Fire Buddies. Run, walk, or crawl for a cause.

For a Cause

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 10:00 AM CDT5KChicago, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Flat · Timed race

Run for the Rose

A scenic 5K through historic park trails, culminating in a festive celebration with wine tasting, local brews, and a lobster food truck.

Fun
Scenic
Competitive
Festive

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 10:00 AM CDT5KPetersburg, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Braveheart CAC 4th Annual Superhero 5k Run/ Walk

Run or walk as a superhero to support Braveheart CAC, raising awareness for child abuse, sexual assault, and mental health in the community.

Fun
Competitive
Quirky
For a Cause

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 10:00 AM CDT5KKewanee, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Family-oriented

The Canal Street Spirits Run

A charming 5K starting and ending at a local pub, featuring Lemont's canal history, a historic cemetery, and post-run spirits.

Fun
Scenic
Quirky

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 12:00 PM CDT5KLemont, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Race for the Gold 5K

Run for a cause at this Gilberts community 5K, where every step helps support local youth programs and Gilberts Elementary School students.

Fun
For a Cause

Sun, Apr 19, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT3.1 MilesGilberts, IL

EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

See all 309 5Ks in Illinois →

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More 5K races

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Other distances in Illinois

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