Looking for a run that offers 5K and 10K options, a special run for kids, and supports conservation of wildlife? Then sign up for one of the Chicago suburbs’ largest annual runs, the Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals!

As part of the Taste of Wheaton, Run for the Animals coincides with the four-day event filled with entertainment, a carnival, arts & crafts vendors, food and so much more.

The Kids’ ½-mile, for children ages 3 to 9, kicks off at 8:45A. All kids’ race participants receive a shirt and medal. Children ages 4 and younger must be accompanied by a runner aged 14+. Kids’ race chaperones do not pay a registration fee, but all children must be a paid registrant to participate. If your child wants to cheer you on from their stroller, no problem! Anyone participating with a stroller must start in the stroller corral at the rear of the race, regardless of expected pace.

This course is not only USATF certified (#IL14055JW, #IL14054JW), but is also certified by the Chicago Area Runner’s Association and the 10K course is part of the Chicago Area Runner’s Association Circuit Series. The top male and female finishers in the 5K and 10K races will receive a free pair of shoes compliments of Dick Pond Athletics, and 2^nd and 3^rd place finishers will receive a gift certificate to Dick Pond Athletics. Don’t forget to stick around for the awards ceremony!

The first 2,500 runners receive a long-sleeve tech t-shirt and all participants receive a finisher’s medal.

The Cosley Foundation, Inc. provides financial support for capital improvements to Wheaton’s five-acre zoo, which currently maintains 20 exhibits and over 50 species of Illinois native wildlife and domestic farm animals.

Date: June 1, 2019 | Race Start: 7:30A
Location: Memorial Park/Downtown Wheaton

+ CARA Certified
+ USATF certified

Race through luminary lanes and end with a street fest of music, carnival rides, and food trucks at the Light the Torch 5K Night Run!

Presented in partnership by the Wheaton Park District and FT Cares Foundation, this 5K run/walk is a unique race through downtown Wheaton after sunset.

If this run wasn’t flashy enough, our glow giveaways should do the trick. Got your own light-up necklaces, bracelets, rings, or headbands? What about a pair of those awesome shoes that change colors with each step you take? Come decked out! The more glow, the better.

This is a timed race and runner bibs are chipped. Overall winners are determined by finish/gun time while individual age category winners are determined by chip time. All participants will receive a finisher’s medal.

Date: September 28, 2019 | Race Start: 7P
Location: Downtown Wheaton

*5K

Get your holiday cheer on in the most festive, active environment imaginable. This winter 5K is sure to put you in the holiday spirit – in fact, we even encourage it! Come out in your best Santa hats or assortment of jingle bells and Run Run Rudolph to the finish line! The first 1,250 runners receive a long sleeve tech t-shirt and antlers, and all participants will receive a finisher’s medal.

Wheaton Lions’ Club Charities primarily supports programs that serve the visually and hearing impaired, programs that help people with diabetic related health issues, and many local social service groups.

Date: Saturday, December 7, 2019 | Race Start: 8:30A
Location: Downtown Wheaton

*5K

+ CARA Certified
+ USATF certified

This is no old-fashioned run. This is the Fun Run in Color.

Here’s how it works: You show up in your brightest white shirts, shorts, and shoes and we shower you along the route with vibrant color made from safe, food-grade, biodegradable cornstarch. By the time you cross the finish line, you’ll be a brilliant color palette of warm and cool hues. With wave starts, four color stations, and a final color toss at the after-party, you’re guaranteed to go home wearing colors you’ve never worn before. Have no fear, these colors are non-toxic and easily come off in the wash.

The Fun Run in Color is an untimed run/walk for all ages and abilities, presented by the Wheaton Park District and the Rotary Club of Wheaton AM. All participants will receive a finisher’s medal.

Date: April 13, 2019 | Race Start: 8:30A | Location: Memorial Park
Location: Downtown Wheaton

A portion of the proceeds from this run benefit the Play for All Playground & Garden Foundation.