Mark your Calendar

April 15

RUN THRU THE HILLS IN LAKE IN THE HILLS 5K RUN/WALK

Includes the Bark in the Park 2-mile Dog Walk and Hop ‘n Trot Kids 100yard dash. Start time is 10 a.m. www.lith.org

This is a race for everyone, including kids, dogs and competitive runners. The race combines the natural beauty and charm of the community and the four lakes located in the eastern portion of the village. Register early, this race has sold out in the past and there is limited registration on race day.

April 22

2K GLOW RUN/WALK IN GLEN ELLYN

Start time is 7 p.m. www.gepark.org/gepdevent/2k-glowrun-walk

If you’re not a fan of rising and running early then this race will be perfect for you. The evening race features black bubble lights and color stations through Ackerman Park. Grab your glow sticks and favorite neon shirt and race into the night. Enjoy the postrace music party.

April 23

NAPERVILLE WOMEN’S HALF MARATHON AND 5K

Start time is 7 a.m. for the halfmarathon and 7:30 a.m. for 5K www.napervillewomenshalf.events

Calling all the ladies for this special race that starts and ends at North Central College and winds through the beautiful Naperville neighborhoods just off downtown. The girl power feeling is strong with this race and there’s plenty of fans who turn out to cheer the runners along.

April 29

CHICKEN RUN 5K AND 10K IN BATAVIA

Start time is 8 a.m. with a Lil’ Peeps ½ K Dash at 9 a.m. www.crm.enmotive.com/events/2023chicken-run-5k

We guarantee there will be plenty of clucks and giggles in this race featuring golden chickens hidden along the racecourse and prizes for those who capture them. Awards are handed out for best chicken costumes and racers receive chicken tenders and dipping sauce as well as a chocolate chip cookie at the post race party. Racers will travel along the Fox River Trail, enjoying beautiful scenery along the river when they aren’t watching fellow racers lose their feathers. Racers can even purchase a chicken hat to wear on race day.

April 29

EVANSTON TO BULL VALLEY 200K BIKE RIDE

Start time is 8 a.m. in Evanston www.bikeride.com/events/evanstonto-bull-valley-200k

This day-long ride takes cyclists through an urban setting. The ride is organized by the Great Lakes Ultra Cycling organization, which plans rides throughout the year. Check out their website for details on how to participate in the ride.

April 30

GOOD LIFE RACE 5K RUN/WALK AND YOUTH RACE IN OAK PARK www.runsignup.com/Race/IL/OakPark/ GoodLife

Youth Mile at 8:45 a.m. and the 5K at 9 a.m.

Running is a great sport for all ages and this race celebrates that with a youth mile, junior dash and a 5K run/ walk. Spend a great spring day with friends and enjoy this race through the lovely neighborhoods of Oak Park.

May 7

CHICAGOLAND SPRING

MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON & 10K IN SCHAUMBURG

Start time is 7:15 a.m. and 7:35 for the 10K www.allcommunityevents.com/ chicagolandspringmarathon

When a race promises some of the area’s best barbeque at the after-party, it has to be a good race. Racers will find a flat and fast course which means more time to indulge in the delicious after-party feast catered by Chicago Culinary Kitchen.

May 13

RUN TO THE PUB 4TH ANNUAL MARATHON

RELAY IN TINLEY PARK

Race starts at 9:30 a.m. Race hosted by Hailstorm Brewing Co., visit their website and Facebook page for details.

Tell your friends you conquered a marathon… with a relay team. Teams of up to six people can complete the 26.2 mile course with each leg of the race meeting at a different craft brewery or bar. Up to 50 teams can register, so act fast to reserve your place in this fun and quirky race through the south suburbs.

May 13

STARVED ROCK COUNTRY

MARATHON & HALF MARATHON

RUN SRC 5K IN OTTAWA

AND LA SALLE COUNTY www.runstarvedrockcountry.net/races

Start time is 7 a.m.

For those looking for a challenge and beautiful scenery, put this race on your list. The half-marathon starts in Starved Rock State Park and travels through the neighborhoods of Ottawa. There are rolling hills, natural rock formations and beautiful woods along the racecourse. Even the 5K, which uses part of the half-marathon course, includes beautiful landscape.

May 14

MOTHER’S DAY 5K RUN/WALK IN BARRINGTON

Start time is 8 a.m. for the 5K and a Kids Dash at 7:45 a.m. www.allcommunityevents.com/ mothersday5k

Celebrate your mom with a morning run through downtown Barrington, and work up an appetite for some brunch and mimosas. This race features a rose for every finisher and a sweet cake pop treat at the finish line.