Chicago Racing Events | June 2016

People running in the Chicago Marathon in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago has some wonderful races scheduled for June! If you love to bike and are looking for a challenge, you might enjoy the 175-mile Ride Across Illinois (RAIL) North from Moline to Chicago on June 18. Several events support local schools, including the June 11 5K Summer Dash which helps provide summer programming for seven schools in Chicago's southwestern neighborhoods.

Another event that grabbed my attention is the TJ Trot Block Party on June 18, a fundraiser by the Willis family in support of The Menkes Foundation. If you can't make it to the event, consider taking a moment to read about Menkes syndrome, either at The Menkes Foundation's website or by doing your own online search.

As you review the events below, be sure to visit the charity websites to learn more about the organizations benefiting from your registration fees, donations, and fundraising efforts.

In addition, check the event's website to see how the charity partner is benefiting. Are 100 percent of the event proceeds given to the charity? Does the charity receive promotional benefits only? Does the charity receive a certain number of race entries in return for providing event volunteers? A charity may benefit from an event in many different ways. The answers can usually be found on the event's FAQ, Charity, or About page. Each event should also have an email address or online contact form for any additional questions you might have.

Have a great June!

June 1, 2016

Strike Out ALS 5K
Location: U.S. Cellular Field, 333 West 35th Street, Chicago
Start Times: 6:30 p.m. (1 Mile) and 6:40 p.m. (5K)
Event Beneficiary: Les Turner ALS Foundation

June 3, 2016

Magis Miles
Location: Saint Ignatius College Prep Track, 1076 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago
Start Time: 7 p.m.
Event Beneficiary: No beneficiary listed

June 4, 2016

Chicago Gospel Run
Location: Oakwood Beach in Burnham Park, 1099 East Oakwood Boulevard (East 39th Street and South Lake Shore Drive), Chicago
Start Times:
8 a.m. (Kids Run), 8:30 a.m. (5K Run), and 8:35 a.m. (5K Walk)
Event Beneficiary:
Inspiration Corporation

Chicago Youth Philanthropy Group Alumni Weekend 5K Fun Run
Location: 5706 South University Avenue, Chicago
Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
Event Beneficiary: Chicago Youth Philanthropy Group

June 5, 2016

United Run for the Zoo
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
Start Times: 7:45 a.m. (5K), 8:30 a.m. (10K), and 10 a.m. (Safari Stampede)
Event Beneficiary: Lincoln Park Zoo

The Color Run
Location: Grant Park, Chicago
Start Time: 8 a.m.
Event Beneficiaries: Back on My Feet Chicago and Chill Chicago

Cancer Survivors' Celebration Walk & 5K
Location: Grant Park, Chicago
Start Times: 9:30 a.m. (5K Run) and 10 a.m. (Walk)
Event Beneficiary: Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University

June 11, 2016

5K Summer Dash
Location: Marquette Park, 6743 South Kedzie Avenue, Chicago
Start Time: 8 a.m.
Event Beneficiaries: Summer programming for Dawes Elementary School, Durkin Park Elementary School, Hernandez Middle School, Hubbard High School, Pasteur Elementary School, Stevenson Elementary School, and Tonti Elementary School

The Love Tour 5K
Location: Douglas Park, South Farrar Drive and West Ogden Avenue, Chicago
Start Times: 8 a.m. (5K) and 9:30 a.m. (Kids Dash)
Event Beneficiary: Marillac St. Vincent Family Services

Grim Mile
Location: Luther North College Prep Track, 5700 West Berteau Avenue, Chicago
Start Times: 9 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.
Event Beneficiary: Luther North College Prep

June 16, 2016

Gibbons Run
Location: Grant Park, Chicago
Start Time: 6:25 p.m.
Event Beneficiary: Leukemia Research Foundation

June 17–18, 2016

Ride Across Illinois (RAIL) North
Travel from Chicago to Moline on Friday, June 17
Ride on Saturday, June 18
Location: Moline to Chicago
Start Time: 4:30 a.m. (Meeting) and 5:30 a.m. (Ride)
Event Beneficiary: No beneficiary listed

June 18, 2016

Divine Nine 5K
Location: Jackson Park, 6401 South Stony Island Avenue, Chicago
Start Time: 8 a.m.
Event Beneficiary: 100% of proceeds will go toward a scholarship for high school seniors.

TJ Trot Block Party
Location: 850 West Aldine Avenue, Chicago
Start Time: 12 noon
Event Beneficiary: The Menkes Foundation

June 25, 2016

Chicago Bears 5K
Location: Soldier Field, 1410 South Museum Campus Drive, Chicago
Start Time: 8 a.m.
Event Beneficiary: No beneficiary listed

Proud to Run
Location: Montrose Harbor, 601 West Montrose Avenue, Chicago
Start Times: 8:04 a.m. (10K) and 8:15 a.m. (5K)
Event Beneficiaries: About Face Theatre, Center on Halsted, and TransTech Social Enterprises

Hunger Walk
Location: Jackson Park,  6401 South Stony Island Avenue, Chicago
Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
Event Beneficiary: Greater Chicago Food Depository

June 26, 2016

Your Next Step is the Cure
Location: Montrose Harbor, 601 West Montrose Avenue, Chicago
Start Time: 9 a.m.
Event Beneficiary: Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation

June 30, 2016

Tiki Run
Location: Montrose Harbor, 601 West Montrose Avenue, Chicago
Start Times: 8 p.m. (10K) and 8:30 p.m. (5K)
Event Beneficiary: No beneficiary listed