Cheesy Pretzel 5K and 1 Mile Walk

The Cheesy Pretzel 5k is back for 2026! The Cheesy Pretzel 5k & 1 Mile Walk is a USATF certified 5k event [IL23028NM] that winds through T he Promenade Bolingbrook and surrounding neighborhoods.  All participants in the 5k and 1 mile walk will receive an order of Pretzel Bites and Cheese! The first 550 registered participants will receive a moisture wicking long sleeve shirt & Cheesy Pretzel Finisher Medal!   Shirt size preferences will be first come, first serve; corresponding to each participants race registration date . Strollers and walkers are welcome to join the event. Stroller riders are free, but will not receive a race shirt or finisher's medal. Registered runners must be at least 5 years old. Participants in the 1 Mile Walk will follow a course through The Promenade Bolingbrook property. *The walk is an untimed event.

Why is This Event Important? The Cheesy Pretzel 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk isn’t just about crossing the finish line, it’s about making a real difference for local teens who need support, guidance, and hope. Proceeds help Heart Haven OutReach provide free mentoring, support groups, leadership programs, and safe spaces where teens can build resiliency, grow and thrive. Through our Charity of Choice program, we encourage participants to help raise funds for other local nonprofit close to their heart. Whether you run, walk, volunteer, sponsor, or donate, your involvement helps strengthen the community and empower local teens.

Volunteer Opportunities Link TBA, Summer 2026 Sponsorship Opportunities Link TBA, Spring 2026

The  First 550 Participants to Register (5k or 1 Mile Walk) Will Receive: -Custom Finisher Medal -Dry-Fit Long Sleeve Shirt

5k Registration Fee: $30 - Loyalty Discount by July 24, 2026 at 11:59pm. $35 - Early Bird Discount by August 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm $40 - Standard Registration by September 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm $45 - Late Registration on October 1, 2 or 3 (*No Advance Packet Pickup) $45 - Day of Registration on October 4

1 Mile Walk Registration Fee: $30 - Loyalty Discount by July 24, 2026 at 11:59pm. $35 - Early Bird Discount by August 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm $40 - Standard Registration by September 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm $45 - Late Registration on October 1, 2 or 3 (*No Advance Packet Pickup) $45 - Day of Registration on October 4

Race day registration on October 4th will be available beginning at 7:00 am ($45 for 5k & 1 Mile Walk). The Cheesy Pretzel 5k and 1 Mile Walk runs rain or shine. *No refunds available.

Event Schedule: 7:00 am - Day of Packet Pickup & Day of Registration Opens 7:30 am - Warm-up 8:00 am - 5k start time 8:05 am - 1 Mile Walk start time 9:15 am - Awards ceremony *Post-race refreshments will be provided by Meijer .

Award Presentation: There will be an awards presentation for the 5k event following the finish of the race. Trophies presented to the fastest overall male and female runners.  First, Second & Third Place Medals will be presented to the top male and top female finishers in each age category. (10 and under, 11-14, 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+).

Advance Packet Pick Up: Avoid race day lines, and come by to pick up your shirt, race bib, free raffle ticket, and other materials.  IMPORTANT: Participants who wait to register until October 1st, 2nd or 3rd cannot participate in Advance Packet Pickup.  These participants must wait to pick-up their race packets starting at 7am on Race Day (October 4th).

Friday, October 2nd: 4:00pm - 8:00pm Saturday, October 3rd:  10:00am - 2:00pm *Times have been extended by 2 hours for 2026! Packet Pickup Address: Star Cinema Grill 619 E Boughton Rd Suite 200 Bolingbrook, IL 60440

Shirt size preferences are first come, first serve ; corresponding to each participants race registration date. The shirt inventory is updated automatically, so if we run out of a specific size - it will not be selectable when checking out. Once sizes are gone - they are gone!