Volunteers Needed!
We Need You on Race Day! Proud to Run is powered by the community, and we currently need your help. Our small team of volunteer race directors can't do it alone. We're urgently seeking volunteers for Saturday, June 27, 2026, to help bring this event to life.
From start to finish line, volunteers are the reason this race happens — and the reason our community can gather in Pride, in movement, and joyful resistance. Whether you're handing out water, cheering at the finish, or helping with check-in, every role matters.
👉 Sign up now and be part of something powerful. Visit the Volunteer page for available roles.
Information
Proud to Run Chicago is a 501(c)(3) charity. Our mission is to support organizations empowering the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago. Gifts to Proud to Run are fully deductible for United States federal income tax purposes, subject to the limitations placed on charitable gifts by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The Proud to Run 5K & 10K is organized by an all-volunteer, community-based board of directors.
Location
400 W Montrose Harbor Dr
(Grove 16 @ Montrose & Simmonds Dr)
Chicago, IL 60640 US
View Location on Map
5k & 10k Maps
2026 Course Maps Coming Soon!
Swag + Medals
Every participant will receive a Proud to Run tank top, and finishers will receive a medal at the finish line! You also have the option to purchase a Technical Trucker hat or Crossbody bag (aka fanny pack) during registration, at packet pickup, or on race day.
Adaptive Athletes
Proud to Run welcomes all athletes, including Adaptive athletes (but not limited to) Blade Runners, Visually Impaired Runners, Adaptive/Guided Runners, Pushed Athletes, Push-Rim Runners, and Racing Chairs.
Adaptive athletes should notify the Race Director at least 7 days before the event to ensure safety and prepare the Early Starters corral. Adaptive athletes who utilize guides can contact the Race Director at director@proudtorunchicago.org to participate or receive a coupon code.
Race Day FAQ
- Race Day: June 27, 2026
- Race Start time: 8:00 am
- Medals: All finishers for the 10k run and 5k run & walk will get a medal
- Race Shirts: All registrants get a unisex/masculine or racerback femme-style race tank top
- Location: Montrose Grove 16 — Directly west of Montrose Beach
- Packet Pickup: TBA
- Check-in on Race Morning: Starts at 6:30 am and closes at 7:45 am
- Gear Check: Opens at 6:30 and wraps up at 10:15. Any bag left after 10:15 can be retrieved by going to the Race Registration tent, or finding the Race Director.
- Race Day Registration? Yes, registration will be open until June 27 at 7:30 am.
- Extra Swag: Hats and bags can be purchased during registration or using the store on the race registration website. They are available for pickup only at Packet Pickup or on race day during Race check-in.
- Can I swap my shirt out for a different size or style? Starting at 8:30 am on race morning, you can exchange unworn race shirts for different sizes or styles.
- I want to buy an extra shirt. When can I do that? You can buy an extra shirt starting at 8:30 a.m. on race morning.
- If I missed out on buying the extra swag during registration, when can I buy it? You can buy it at Packet Pickup before race day. Or on race day after 8:30 a.m.
Our Community Nonprofit Partners
Every step you take, every dollar you raise supports our community nonprofit partners — organizations doing essential work for LGBTQ+ communities in Chicago.
Trans Up Front IL — Empowering and advocating for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people across Illinois.
Youth Empowerment Performance Project (YEPP) — An ensemble of LGBTQ+ youth artists who have experienced homelessness, using performance to share their stories and create change.
Lighthouse Foundation — Building a brighter, more equitable future for Black LGBTQ+ communities through advocacy, research, and culture work.
When you run, walk, donate, or volunteer with Proud to Run, you fuel the work these partners do every day.
