Veterans Day Freedom Run 5K/10K/13.1 CHICAGO/EVANSTON
About the race
Celebrate this Veterans Day with our annual Freedom Run. Join our 5K, 10K, or Half-Marathon, whether you are running for a personal best or walking with friends and family, in gratitude for the Veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom.
You can raise funds for a charity of choice (optional), and 100% of the net funds raised will go towards your cause of choice.
This is a smaller, private group run with a capped field per wave, so it never feels crowded and you are never just a bib number. All paces and ages are welcome (under 18 with a guardian), and you can run or walk.
There is no gear and no setup needed. Our coordinators will be on the course cheering you on in a relaxed setting.
What you get
- Running T-shirt (shipped to your address, US 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
Packet pickup and shirt delivery
There is no packet pickup. Your swag ships straight to your door. Double-check your full US mailing address, including apartment number, when you register, as your shirt is sent to this address. Race bibs are handed out on race day.
Signing up within 2 weeks of the race
Your shirt will arrive at your mailing address the week of your race. Shipping may not catch up in time, so your shirt could arrive after race day. You are welcome to wear whatever you like and run with us anyway.
Course map and participant info
We will send final participant info by the Wednesday before race day with all the details and course maps.
Wave times
Once you have registered, use your confirmation number to reserve a wave.
- 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 seasons, so please 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 it whenever and wherever, with any tracking device you like (optional), then send your results to [email protected] to claim your medal.
Charity initiatives
If you have a mission that helps people around the world, we can help you fundraise at no cost to you.
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.
Cancellation policy
Athletes can cancel their registration, but no refund is given.
Refunds are not allowed for this race.
The course
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.
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