It's official... winter has started to move in. For those of you committed to continuing to run outside through the cold season, we've provided you
with a list of some of the marathons and fun runs happening locally to keep you moving.
Below you will find a listing and description for races this winter. Click on the name of any race to be redirected to its registration website. Check
back to get the scoop on events coming in the spring!
Race: Arctic Frog Endurance Run
Date: December 3
Location: Independence Grove, Libertyville
Distance: 50K, 25K
Described as a beginner’s Ultra marathon
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Race: Kiwani’s Santa Run for Kids
Date: December 4
Location: Raue Center, Crystal Lake
Distance: 5K & 1-mile run/walk
Benefits children living in McHenry County through Kiwanis Club of Crystal Lake, Turning Point, CASA, Girls on the Run of NW IL, Big Brothers Big
Sisters, and Main Stay Therapeutic Riding.
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Race: Chicago Viking Winter Dash
Date: December 10
Location: Veterans Acres, Crystal Lake
Distance: 5K & 15K Trail Run
This is the inaugural Chicago dash and also has a virtual option!
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Race: The Ugly Sweater Run
Date: December 10
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago
Distance: 5K
The start line includes massive inflatables, photo stations, games, and holiday music. The finish line, a mechanical reindeer and a larger than
life snow-globe. Awards for Best Ugly Sweater, Best Kids Sweater, Best Pet Attire and Best Real/Fake Mustache/Beard will be declared. All runners
receive an impressive stocking cap, which will go with any sweater you get for Christmas this year.
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Race: Jingle Bell Run
Date: December 17
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago
Distance: 5K
Raise funds and awareness for the Arthritis Foundation and participate in the largest holiday-themed 5K race series anywhere—yep, wear your
ugly Christmas sweater, Santa suit, and jingle bells to this one! Plus, they’re stroller friendly!
January:
Race: New Year’s Day 5K Run/Walk
Date: January 1
Location: Lincoln Park, Chicago
Distance: 5K
Get ahead on your New Year’s resolution (don’t worry…it’s an 11am start!)
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Race: Lifetime Fitness Indoor Triathlon
Date: January 2
Location: Lifetime Fitness, Algonquin
Distance: As far as you can go!
This triathlon is timed, with a 10 minute pool swim, 30 minutes on the spin bike, and a 20 minute treadmill run, and your distances are recorded.
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Race: Frozen Gnome
Date: January 7
Location: Veterans Acres, Crystal Lake
Distance: 50K/10K
Choose between a t-shirt or a stocking cap (how fun!). Featured in Chicago Athlete magazine as one of the toughest races in the area, but I think
runners choose this race specifically for “Butt Slide Hill.”
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Race: Polar Dash
Date: January 7
Location:
Distance: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, & 1600m
Looking for an even bigger challenge—check out their Mt. Everest Challenge & Yeti Challenge and then reward yourself with a hot chocolate
after the race.
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Race: S-NO-W FUN Run
Date: January 7
Location: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva
Distance: 5 Miles
This race is a Pajama Party to play tribute to its start at the Playboy Club in 1980! They boast having the “biggest and wildest post run party
of the season,” with a Schnaaps stop at the finish line, complementary beer & soda, burgers & brats, snacks, DJ, dancing, and door prizes.
And the Resort offers discounted rates on rooms for racers, so you can really enjoy!
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Race: The Abominable Snow Race
Date: January 28
Location: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva
Distance: Approx 4.4 Miles, 20+ Obstacles
Racers can choose between a free beer or hot chocolate after the event, which can be enjoyed by the fire pit at the Yeti’s Lodge.
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Race: F^3 Lake Half Marathon
Date: January 28
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago
Distance: Half Marathon
So, F^3 stands for F*ing Freezing Frozen, which makes total sense. And the awards ceremony is held inside the United Club, which is kind of cool.
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Race: Aon Step Up for Kids
Date: January 29
Location: Aon Center, Chicago
Distance: 80 Floors
Raise money for the patients and families of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago during their 20th annual event!
February:
Race: Cupid’s Undie Run
Date: February 11
Location: John Barleycorn Wrigleyville, Chicago
Distance: 1 mile
Their tag line is “Pants drop this February.” I give them points for creative marketing. Party, run (a mile-ish, and at your own pace), party—all
in benefit of Children’s Tumor Foundation, and all to end neurofibromatosis (NF), rare genetic conditions that are usually diagnosed in childhood.
