Races

Be a hero in the eyes of Cunningham kids! Join us for the 6th Annual Be a Hero 5K Heroes have made such a big impact at Cunningham that our Be a Hero 5K now occurs annually—and we're thrilled to invite you to this year's event! Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 9 a.m. | 1301 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana, IL Lace up your superhero sneakers and get ready for miles of fun benefitting an incredible cause! No matter your skill level, you can Be a Hero by participating in one of the following races: "The Flash" 5K Race for all runners"The Hulk" 5K Walk for all walkers Awards and recognition will be awarded in the race category only. Become a Superhero and unlock your official Cunningham hero cape! When you fundraise $100 or more, you become part of a special group and will receive a hero cape to wear on race day or anytime you're being a hero in your community! Click HERE to learn how YOU can be a Superhero! Your heroic support matters! All proceeds from the 5K will help provide much-needed support for the 953 youth and families Cunningham serves. Many young people arrive with histories of abuse, neglect, trauma and mental health challenges. They've experienced rejection and loss. Cunningham offers healing and hope through residential treatment, special education and community-based services. Learn more about how our programs help youth and families heal, learn and grow at cunningham.org Cunningham Children's Home is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Kick off Pride Fest with purpose! Join us for our annual 5K Run/Walk, celebrating 41 years of community strength, health equity, and the fight to end HIV/AIDS in East Central Illinois. Whether you run, walk, roll, or stroll, your participation directly supports individuals and families living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. Every registration helps provide housing, healthcare, food, transportation, and emergency support to individuals who rely on GCAP’s services. After you cross the finish line, stick around for our Resource Fair, featuring community organizations, wellness information, and activities! We’ll also have bagels, coffee, and morning refreshments provided by local business Good Judy’s Espresso & Bagel Bar. Join us to stand against stigma, raise HIV/AIDS awareness, and kick off Pride Fest with pride, solidarity, and joy. Resource Fair opens at 8:30AM | Refreshments available at 8:30AM | 5K Run/Walk begins at 9AM

This event is a charity community run with all proceeds going towards the Salvation Army. If you are unable to attend the run but would still like the help the cause, there is an option to just donate as well. While this event began in Morton, IL, we have brought a counterpart to the University of Illinois. This event is being run by Going The Distance in conjunction with the Salvation Army in Champaign to put on the best race possible! This year, the run will take place on October 17th at 9:00am. Please show up by 8:50am to check in at the check in table on the east side of the Main Quad by Foellinger Auditorium. Check-in will be open from 8:00am-8:50am. The start and finish lines are between the Foreign Languages Building and Foelinger Auditorium. You can view a course map below with mile and kilometer markers as well as a view of where to park. Restrooms are available inside of the Foreign Languages Building or anywhere else accessible on the quad. All participants who register before 10/16 are guaranteed to receive a Chick-Fil-A gift card upon check-in on race day. T-shirts are not guaranteed after 10/5. Course Map with Mile and Kilometer Splits For more information, check out our website at www.goingthedistance.co.

Join us for the Paws for a Cause 5K on October 18th! This community 5K is being organized through a collaboration between Hill’s, Purina, OTS, Nutrition Club, Run Club, and the University of Illinois veterinary community. The goal is to bring students, faculty, staff, and members of the Champaign-Urbana community together for a fun morning of running, walking, and giving back. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the event will be donated to a selected charity or good cause, with the remaining funds supporting the clubs involved in organizing the race. Whether you are an experienced runner, a casual walker, or simply looking for a fun way to get active and support the community, everyone is welcome. The event will include a 5K run/walk, age-group awards and medals, prizes for top finishers, and post-race snacks and refreshments. Come out for a fun morning of fitness, community, and giving back while supporting a great cause. October 18th | Champaign-Urbana, IL More details about registration, the course, and the selected charity will be announced soon. We hope to see you there!

🎃 Illini Veterans Halloween Fun Run/Walk Supporting the Illini Veterans Registered Student Organization (RSO) Join us for the Illini Veterans Halloween Fun Run/Walk, a festive event bringing together University of Illinois students, veterans, military-connected families, alumni, and community members for a great cause! The race will begin at the Chez Veterans Center and take participants on a scenic route around the University of Illinois Main Quad, showcasing the heart of campus while celebrating community, camaraderie, and the Halloween spirit. Whether you're an experienced runner, casual walker, or just looking for a fun way to support student veterans, everyone is welcome! Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costumes and enjoy a fun-filled event with fellow Illini. Proceeds from the event will directly support the Illini Veterans RSO, helping fund student-led activities, community engagement opportunities, veteran outreach, and programs that strengthen connections among military-connected students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 🎃 Costumes Encouraged! Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and join us for a spooky, fun-filled run or walk around the University of Illinois Main Quad! Whether you're a ghost, superhero, zombie, or showing off your Illini spirit, come dressed to impress and support the Illini Veterans RSO. Start Location: Chez Veterans Center Course: Around the University of Illinois Main Quad Open to: Students, veterans, families, alumni, and community members Costumes: Encouraged! Run, walk, or dress up for a cause—every step helps support our Illini Veterans! I-L-L! I-N-I!

The 27th annual Rattlesnake Master Run for the Prairie includes a 10K and 5K run and 5K walk that benefits Grand Prairie Friends, a non-profit land trust and conservation group in central Illinois.  This race circles the beautiful 130-acre Meadowbrook Park and prairie in Urbana, Illinois and includes some trail running. It offers a low entry fee, race medals, optional t-shirts, music, and friendly volunteers.  If you can't attend the race in person, support Grand Prairie Friends and participate in our virtual races.  Run the distance you want, where and when you want and report your time by Nov 2 on RunSignUp.  Virtual race times will be posted but not considered for medals. Come celebrate 27 years of races! Runners of all ages welcome! Registration:  Starts 8/18/2025 10K Run: WOMEN: Ages: 0-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and overMEN: 0-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and overNON-BINARY: 0-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over  5K Run: WOMEN: Ages: