5K Races in Illinois
Illinois has 285 upcoming 5K races scheduled for 2026. The calendar runs year-round — busiest in August through October, quietest in February through April. No single city dominates the calendar. Chicago leads with 54 races, followed by Elk Grove Village (8), Belleville (6), and Aurora (5). The remaining 74% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
5K races by month in Illinois
Sep (67) · Aug (58) · Oct (58) · Nov (31) · Jul (27) · Dec (14) · Jun (9) · May (8) · Jan (5) · Feb (3) · Mar (3) · Apr (2)
Showing 24 of 285
Running
The Police Chase Twilight 5k @ Vernon Hills Days
Vernon Hills, IL
Running
The Police Chase Twilight 5k @ Vernon Hills Days
July 15, 2026
Vernon Hills, IL
Running
Haley's 5K Glow Run
Beecher City, IL
Running
Haley's 5K Glow Run
July 17, 2026
Beecher City, IL
Running
Haley's 5K Glow Run
Beecher City, IL
Running
Haley's 5K Glow Run
July 18, 2026
Beecher City, IL
Running
Christmas in July Half Marathon and 5K (Chicago area)
July 18, 2026
Elk Grove Village, IL
Running
Stan's Donut 10K, 5K, and Kids Dash
Chicago, IL
Running
Stan's Donut 10K, 5K, and Kids Dash
July 19, 2026
Chicago, IL
Top Cities for 5K Races in Illinois
Frequently asked questions
How long is a 5K race?▾
A 5K is 3.1 miles (5 kilometers). It is the most popular race distance in the US and a great starting point for new runners. RACE lists thousands of 5K events across all 50 states.
What is a good 5K time for beginners?▾
A good beginner 5K time is 30-35 minutes. Many first-time runners aim to complete the distance without stopping. The average US 5K finish time is around 28 minutes.
How do I find a 5K near me?▾
Use the RACE search bar to enter your zip code or state and filter by distance. You can also browse by month to find races that fit your schedule. Turkey Trots in November and charity 5Ks are especially popular.
How long does it take to train for a 5K?▾
Most couch-to-5K programs are 6-8 weeks long with 3 runs per week. If you can already jog for 10-15 minutes, you could be ready in 4-6 weeks with consistent training.