I got an email the other day asking about stoller friendly races. Well, here is a list of my favorites, click on the name of the race to register or for more info!
Bunny Rock 5K and Egg Hunt, Chicago – April 7th
This race is sure to bring lots of excitement and entertainment with Chicago’s own
throughout the course, the amazing amenities, and an overall fun, spring-filled 3.1 mile race!
Bunny Dash 5K, Palatine – April 14th
As competitors race through the course, various activities are available for families and kids of all ages. From an Egg Hunt with over 3,000 eggs to a Live Petting Zoo to the Easter Bunny, this event is full of delight and excitement that will definitely leave you wanting more.
Race to Wrigley, Chicago – April 14th
Chicago Cubs Charities’ 7th Annual Race to Wrigley 5k Run, which starts and finishes at legendary Wrigley Field, helps kick off the baseball season and runners and sponsors can show their support for a good cause. This year, personal fundraising proceeds will benefit Children’s Memorial Hospital-after you sign up for the race, thenregister as a fundraiser and make every step count.
Arbor Day 10K, Lisle – April 22nd
Celebrate the return of spring by participating in the Arboretum’s second annual 10K run.
Spring Fling 5K, Chicago – April 29th
The 3rd Annual Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation Chicago 5k Walk/Run to raise awareness and funding for Lung Cancer research will be held on Sunday April 29th, 2012.
Southwest Half Marathon, Palos Heights – May 6th
a part of the First Midwest Bank Southwest Half Marathon and enjoy one of the Midwest’s finest events of its kind. From world class runners to physically challenged athletes who will compete in the Walk, Run or Roll competition, the Southwest Half Marathon offers an extremely fast, flat course with chip timing, 5-year age group awards, $10,000 in cash prizes and commemorative medals for all finishers.
Got 2 Run… For Education, Arlington Heights – May 19th
Everyone gets an Awesome technical T-Shirt, even youth sizes. All students get a backpack tag/zipper pull with the Got2Run 2.62 logo. Everyone gets a 2.62 bumper sticker to show off, just like the marathoners do with their 26.2 stickers!
Stepping up to wellness, Libertyville – May 20th
On Sunday, May 20, please join the Cancer Wellness Center of Northbrook, IL for their 5th AnnualRun/Walk. The event supports the Center and their Wellness Programs, which focuses on nutrition, exercise, spirituality, mediation and support groups. In 2008, the 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk and the Marcia Slotky Family Walk attracted over 1300 runners and walkers and raised an amazing $155,000.00. This year’s event — to be held at Independence Grove in Libertyville- promises to be bigger and better.
Pathways 8th Annual 5K, Glenview – June 2nd
Pathways is a state of the art, not-for-profit, outpatient pediatric therapy center located in Glenview, IL. The Center provides occupational therapy, physical therapy andspeech/language/feeding therapy for children with developmental delays, autism, sensory integration disorders, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, and other neurological and orthopedic conditions.
Beloit Half Marathon & 5K, Beloit – July 21st
Finish behind homeplate of the Beloit Snappers Stadium. Free Miller64 Beer Over 21. Awesome Tech TShirt. Outstanding Finisher Medal.
Run from the cops 5K, Vernon Hills – July 22nd
The Jailbreak is back! Join us Sunday July 22nd, 2012 at 8:00 AM. Officers line up at the back of the starting gate and “chase” participants through the course. As our event has grown officers from surrounding communities have also joined the cause.
Champions 5K & 10K, Chicago – August 11th
All 10K & 5K participants will receive a customized Dri Fit T-Shirt (Men’s and Women’s Sizes), Customized Race Mug and Goody Bag. The event ends with a “Breakfast of Champions” breakfast of eggs, meat and BEER for all of our “Champions”, post-race ceremony, prizes, medals, and much more!
Wausau Marathon & Half Marathon, Wausau WI – August 25th
Finish in Downtown Wausau. Free Miller64 Beer Over 21. Awesome Tech TShirt. Outstanding Finisher Medal. Saturday Evening Free Post Race Concert for Participants starting at 5PM. Live Bands throughout the course
There are a lot more races that allow jogging strollers, you can look them up at CaraRuns.org.
It’s always fun to run with your family and as parents who run we always appreciate events that accommodate strollers, but it’s important to remember a few things when participating.
1) Start at the back of the pack.
2) Go slow, don’t plan on setting a PR if you’re pushing a stroller.
3) Keep some distance from the runners in front of you.
4) Don’t stop on the course. if you have to stop pull as far off the the side as you can.
If you know of any other good stoller friendly races, tell me about them in the comments section!
Phil Castello 