August is upon us — our last full month of summer. Time to make sure you grab every last chance to enjoy getting active outside. One of our favorite ways to exercise and keep up our motivation is to always have an upcoming charity race on our calendar. Charity run/walks are an awesome way to have a fitness goal to work toward as well as a rewarding outing to share with family and friends for a good cause. Here are 9 charity races around Chicago to run or walk this month. Feeling a little rusty? Check out our guide to training for a 5K before you pound the pavement.
HAE IN-MOTION 5K
Aug. 4, 2018
8 a.m.
Wheaton, Illinois
Run this race and you’ll be helping the US Hereditary Angioedema Association, which provides financial assistance to patients who have been affected by this potentially fatal genetic condition. The association helps those who are entering or attending college, or must travel to see a specialist, and supports HAE researchers at the University of California San Diego.
ILPAMS 5K for Peru
Aug. 5, 2018
10 a.m.
Chicago
The Illinois Peruvian American Medical Society works with people in rural areas of Peru who are in need, and provides them with free medical services. Your participation will help support these medical missions, which provide services such as surgeries and preventive care, for those who lack such vital resources.
Compass to Care’s Bubble Fun Run 5K & 1 Mile
Aug. 11, 2018
8 a.m.
Park Ridge, Illinois
Compass to Care assists families in planning and paying for their child’s cancer treatment, giving families the opportunity to focus on their child. Adding to the fun, there are bubbles throughout the course.
Stan’s Donut 5K
Aug. 11, 2018
8 a.m. (5K run), 9 a.m. (5K walk), 10:30 a.m. (kids’ dash)
Chicago
If you run to eat, and love donuts, this is the race for you. Stan’s Donuts are offered throughout the course as well as at the finish line, where the first male and female finishers will receive a year’s worth of Stan’s Donuts. This race aids the Greater Chicago Food Depository, which gives out the equivalent of 164,000 meals daily to people in need.
The Super Run
Aug. 18, 2018
8 a.m.
Palatine, Illinois
The Super Run partners with numerous local charities in order to put on this popular race. Dress up as your favorite superhero and run to save the day for local charities.
Race to Stop Hunger 5K
Aug. 25, 2018
8 a.m.
Roselle, Illinois
All proceeds from this race support Kids Against Hunger — Fox Valley, a nonprofit organization driven by volunteers and committed to fighting hunger and malnutrition. It helps feed starving people in Nicaragua as well as in numerous other locations in and out of the United States.
John Whiteside/Beatrice Green Lung Cancer Walk and Fun Run
Aug. 25, 2018
10 a.m.
Arlington Heights, Illinois
This race raises money for crucial lung cancer research and support. By participating, you can help to improve the lives of those who have been affected by this life-threatening condition.
Walk to Remember & 5K Run for Hope
Aug. 26, 2018
8 a.m. (5K run), 9:30 a.m. (walk)
Libertyville, Illinois
This race is put together by Willow House, a nonprofit organization that seeks to support kids, families, schools, and communities who have been affected by the death of a loved one. There is a 5K and a mile walk, both featuring a scenic lakeside course. Sign up today to help commemorate those who have passed away.
Chicago Lung Run
Aug. 26, 2018
8:30 a.m.
Chicago
There’s a distance for everyone, from 10K and 5K to a 1-mile run (or walk), and proceeds from this race go toward the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, whose mission is to fund research that helps with diagnosing, preventing, treating, and curing lung cancer.
Alyssa Pak is currently an intern for Make It Better. She is a senior at New Trier High School and works as a features editor for the school newspaper. When she’s not writing, she can be found riding horses, taking a bike ride to Chicago Botanic Garden, or spending time with her family and friends. She also loves music and plays both the piano and the viola. Pak enjoys giving back to her community and volunteers for Freedom Woods Equestrian Center’s therapeutic riding program, using horses to assist kids with disabilities.
