Run for Mental Health 5K/10K/13.1 CHICAGO/EVANSTON
About the race
Run for Mental Health is an empowering journey toward well-being. Run with purpose and heart for someone you know who is on that difficult journey, like all of us.
We keep things small, personal, and local, so every run feels less like a number and more like a memory. Whether it's a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or virtual run, you'll get the warmth of a hometown event.
All paces and ages are welcome (under 18 with a guardian). Run it, walk it, however you like.
Swag bag contents
- Running T-shirt (shipped to your address, U.S. only)
- Finisher's medal
- Virtual training run (emailed to you a month before your run)
- Online results and certificate of completion
- Invitation to join a local running club
Timing
Timing is optional. Track your own time via Strava, RunKeeper, Nike Run, or similar, then submit it through our online form to get posted. Or ask a coordinator to time you. There are no timing chips; this is about progress, not pressure.
Packet pickup and shirt delivery
No packet pickup is needed, because your swag ships straight to your door. Double-check your full U.S. mailing address, including apartment number, when you register, since your shirt is sent there. Race bibs are handed out on race day.
When will my swag arrive?
Your shirt will arrive at your mailing address the week of your race.
Last-minute sign-ups (within 2 weeks of the race)
Shipping may not catch up in time, so your shirt could arrive after race day. Wear whatever you like and come run with us anyway.
Course map and participant info
Final participant info, with all the details and course maps, is sent by the Wednesday before race day.
Wave times
After you register, reserve a wave using your confirmation number.
- Wave A: 7:30 AM
- Wave B: 8:00 AM
- Wave C: 8:30 AM
Running late?
Jump in when you arrive. Our coordinators stay on-site for 3 hours after the first wave. Times may change depending on the season, so check your participant info email.
Virtual run option
Prefer to run on your own time? Our Virtual Run includes a digital training pack to keep you on track. Run whenever and wherever, with any tracking device you like (optional). Then send your results to [email protected] to claim your medal.
Cancellation policy
Athletes can cancel their registration, but no refund is given.
Refunds are not allowed for this race.
The course
Capped waves and sold-out waves
Each wave has a capped field, so the course never feels crowded. Each wave closes once it is full. If your wave sells out, you can choose the virtual run option or join the waitlist.
Location
City insight: Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in Illinois, on the western shore of Lake Michigan, with the Chicago River running through downtown. It has four distinct seasons: summers are hot and humid with frequent heat waves, winters are cold and snowy, and spring and autumn are mild, short and typically low in humidity. Snow can last into early April, and the lakefront stays cooler when winds blow off the lake. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for racing; summer racing calls for early starts, and winter needs cold-weather gear. O'Hare International Airport serves the city.
Social profiles