If cooler temps put you in the mood to leave your air-conditioned gym and lace up your running shoes, now’s the perfect time to do it. And nothing helps keep up the motivation to run like a race on the horizon. From pumpkin runs to half marathons, we’ve found a whole crop of upcoming Chicago-area races that are fun, unique, and support a good cause. (And don’t forget to cheer on the participants of the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 13.) So, get in your outdoor running before the first polar vortex hits and sign up for a few of these fall races that give back. If you’re new to running or just a bit rusty, be sure to check out our guide to training for a 5K before you get started!
Sept. 21
Run for Rosé 5K
Together We Tri presents this run/walk with a post-race wine tasting.
Type: 5K, 1-mile walk, kids dash
Location: Gallery Park, Glenview
Benefits: JDRF
Oct. 5
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago
This popular race at Soldier Field is always a great time, plus it raises awareness for AIDS research and treatment.
Type: 5K, 10K
Location: Soldier Field
Benefits: AIDS Foundation of Chicago
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Oct. 6
Brain Up 5K
Help fund brain cancer research during this 5K in Maggie Daley Park.
Type: 5K
Location: Maggie Daley Park
Benefits: Brain Up
Bucktown 5K
A neighborhood favorite, this race supports spouses and dependents of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics, and includes lots of goodies and fun along the course.
Type: 5K
Location: Burr Elementary School
Benefits: 100 Club of Chicago
Stride Against Violence
Run along the lake at Montrose Harbor to raise funds during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Type: 5K
Location: Montrose Harbor
Benefits: Apna Ghar
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RBC Race for the Kids
Round up the family for some exercise and fun to support children’s health.
Type: 5K
Location: University of Chicago Campus — Hyde Park
Benefits: University of Chicago Medicine Comer
Oct. 12
Rosehill Cemetery Crypt
We triple-dog-dare you to run this spooky race through Chicago’s largest cemetery.
Type: 5K
Location: Rosehill Cemetery
Benefits: American Diabetes Foundation
Oct. 19
Pumpkins in the Park
This run is all about the costumes and spooky fun to support the Chicago Park District’s programming.
Type: 5K
Location: Lincoln Park South Fieldhouse
Benefits: Chicago Park District’s Night out in the Parks
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Wine Run
Finally, you can combine your love of running and wine, while raising funds for animals.
Type: 5K
Location: Dan Ryan Woods
Benefits: Fetching Tails Foundation
Country Sole
Enjoy country music, a southern breakfast, and beer while supporting the Fetching Tails Foundation.
Type: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
Location: Montrose Beach
Benefits: Fetching Tails Foundation
Oct. 20
Frank Lloyd Wright Races
This unique race takes you past eight historic Frank Lloyd Wright homes and raises money for Oak Park’s Scholarship Fund.
Type: 10K, 5K
Location: Oak Park River Forest High School
Benefits: Oak Park District Scholarship Fund
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Oct. 26
Halloween Hustle
A spooky race that encourages costumes and ends in a festive party in Palatine, while supporting the empowerment and education of fathers looking for assistance.
Type: 5K
Location: Downtown Palatine
Benefits: Fathers Helping Fathers
Oct. 27
Beer Run Spiteful Brewing
Run or walk for local brews and two good causes, including the Chicago Park District.
Type: “5K-ish”
Location: Spiteful Brewing
Benefits: Chicago Parks Foundation and Chicago Run
Nov. 2
Hot Cider Hustle
Caramel apples and hot cider await you at the finish line, all for a good cause.
Type: 8K
Location: Chicago Lakefront
Benefits: Best Buddies
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Allstate Hot Chocolate
Epic goodie bags and lots (we mean lots!) of chocolate are included in this popular race that helps grant wishes to children.
Type: 15K/5K
Location: Grant Park
Benefits: Make-A-Wish
Nov. 28
Edison Park Turkey Trot
Support two charities before you dive into that Thanksgiving dinner.
Type: 5K
Location: Edison Park
Benefits: Illinois Spina Bifida Association and Huntington’s Disease Society of America Illinois Chapter
Turkey Trot Chicago
Help those less fortunate by running to raise funds for the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Type: 5K/8K
Location: Lincoln Park
Benefits: Greater Chicago Food Depository
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Long Grove Turkey Trot
Apple cider doughnuts, a fleece hoodie, hot cider, and beer are all perks of this run through historic Long Grove.
Type: 5K/8K
Location: Long Grove
Benefits: Northern Illinois Food Bank
Evanston Flying Turkey
Race along the beautiful lakefront course while benefiting two local charities.
Type: 5K
Location: Evanston
Benefits: Evanston Vineyard Food Pantry and Foundation 65
Nov. 30
Grant Park Turkey Trot
Run off that Thanksgiving meal during this race in Grant Park that supports healthy play environments in schools.
Type: 5K/10K
Location: Grant Park
Benefits: Playworks Illinois
Dec. 7
Santa Hustle
Grab your Santa hat and kick off the holiday season with this festive run at Soldier Field.
Type: 5K
Location: Soldier Field
Benefits: Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation
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Dec. 14
Jingle Bell Run
A festive fun-run where 100 percent of your registration fee goes toward the Arthritis Foundation.
Type: 5K/1-mile walk
Location: Chicago History Museum
Benefits: Arthritis Foundation
Macaire Douglas lives in Chicago with her husband and two sons. She proudly supports Share Our Spare, a local nonprofit that collects goods for children in need.
