Fall is upon us: the kids have returned to school, extracurricular activities are in full swing and the days until temperatures plunge to single digits are numbered. While you may be missing the lazy days of summer spent with family and friends, take advantage of the crisp autumn weather as a great time to get active outdoors with your loved ones. Check out these upcoming runs and walks that will get you and your family exercising and raising money for some wonderful causes.
1. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s
When: Sept. 19, 2015 at 10 a.m.
Where: Gallery Park in Glenview
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk takes place in over 600 communities and is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
Register online here.
2. The Lung Run 5K and 10K
When: Sept. 19, 2015 at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Montrose Harbor: 4400 N Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
The Chicago Lung Run is held each year in support of lung cancer survivors and their families, and in memory of those who have lost their lives to lung cancer, the leading cancer killer in America. The mission of the Lung Run is to raise awareness of lung cancer and to raise much-needed funds for lung cancer research. The Chicago Lung Run will benefit cutting-edge lung cancer research through giving donations to both the Lung Cancer Research Foundation and also Uniting Against Lung Cancer.
Register online here.
3. AIDS Run & Walk Chicago
When: Sept. 26, 2015 at 9 a.m.
Where: Soldier Field on the southeast lawn at the corner of Waldron Drive and Museum Campus Drive
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago is the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s grassroots fundraising event. The run and walk stands firmly against the negative stigma attached to HIV/AIDS. In 2014, the walk and run raised over $200,000 that went toward the AFC’s work to collaborate with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services; fund and coordinate prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champion effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy.
Additionally, the code 30YEARSOFACTION (it’s the 30th anniversary) will give participants $10 off their registration! The foundation is on track to meet the goal of $500,000 and they are expecting more than 2,500 participants.
Register online here.
4. Chicagoland Out of the Darkness Walk
When: Sept. 26, 2015 at 10 a.m.
Where: Arvey Field – Grant Park
All funds raised go toward research grants, legislative efforts, programs and community outreach by The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The organization leads the fight against suicide by funding research, creating educational programs, advocating for public policy and supporting survivors of suicide loss. Their goal is to reduce the annual suicide rate by 20 percent by the year 2025.
Register online here.
5. Northwestern Settlement and A. Perry Homes For Kids 5K 2015
When: Sept. 26, 2015 at 10 a.m.
Where: 564 Lincoln Ave. Winnetka
The For Kids 5K benefits the children of the Northwestern Settlement, a charity that educates, nurtures and inspires the West Town community in Chicago. Jim Cornelison will perform at the start of the race, and the post-race party will offer food, live music, and local community vendors. This is a race for the whole family – there is even a prize for fastest stroller!
Register online here.
6. Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer
When: Oct. 4 at 1 p.m.
Where: Sunset Woods Park, 1801 Sunset Road, in Highland Park
Mindy Ugolini, Highland Park resident, wife and mother of three, has partnered with City of Hope National Medical Center, a private not-for-profit cancer research center, to organize this walk for breast cancer research. Ugolini became an advocate for early detection, fundraising and breast cancer research when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 35 after the birth of her third child. She is gratefully celebrating her thirteenth year of survivorship. The event includes a 1K family walk through the woods, an inaugural 5K Fun Run, prizes and goody bags.
Register online or make a donation to the team here.
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