Winter has come. It may have arrived a little ahead of schedule (and probably earlier than any of us wanted), but it’s the freaking weekend baby so let’s go have us some fun.
1. Chicago Cross Cup Campton (Campton Hills, IL)
The Campton stop of one of the country’s largest cyclocross series is back for its 13th year this Sunday, with races running all day long. Never tried cyclocross before? There’s an open Cat 5 race that only lasts 20 minutes and is very first-timer friendly.
The event takes place at Anderson Park (5N180 Brown Rd, Campton Hills, IL 60175). Pre-registration has already closed, but for information on race-day registration click here.
2. Treetops Trifecta (Gaylord, MI)
This unique running event is a mini-stage race with a 5K, 1K hill climb and half-marathon taking place over two days. Athletes have the choice of competing in a single race or going for the trifecta. The 5K and hill climb take place on Saturday and the event finishes with the half-marathon on Sunday morning.
All events take place at the absolutely gorgeous Treetops Resort in Northern Michigan, so if all this snow has you itching for some trail running, you better start driving. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind weekend of racing here.
3. Cantigny 5K Run/Walk (Wheaton, IL)
Cantigny Park is one of the western suburbs best hidden gems and is an easy drive from the city for a quick (and scenic) 5K through the snow on Saturday morning. Runners will pass by all of the park’s major attraction, including the First Division Museum, McCormick House and the typically red and yellow fall gardens, which have transformed into a winter wonderland a bit early this year.
All proceeds benefit the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. Race starts at 9am. So get up early on Saturday and run in an awesome park for an even more awesome cause. More information can be found here.
4. Chicago Hot Cider Hustle 8K (Chicago)
Waiting for you at the finish line are warm apple cider and caramel apples—need we say more? This 8K (5 mile) route starts at finishes at Montrose Beach and takes in some of the scenic sections of Chicago’s lakefront along the way.
Last-minute registration takes place on Saturday at 7:15 am, with the race beginning at 8:30. This race by All Community Events benefits Best Buddies of Illinois. Find more information here.
5. Brew Run 5K (Hoffman Estates, IL)
What could be better than a Saturday morning filled with running, beer and snow? This unique race features three different divisions: Competitive Drinker; Run First/Beer Later; Designated Driver. The Competitive drinker category features beer stops instead of aid stations on each of the three loops (3 ounces of beer per stop) and a full pint at the finish. The Run First/Beer Later category saves the beer for the finish, and well, you probably get the gist of the DD category.
The timed 5K takes place on the scenic trails of Carl Hansen Woods and features local craft beers. Learn more or sign up here.
