Hoofin’ 4 Hardy

Are you willing to make an early morning trek to Palatine on Nov. 23? I bet you will be after reading about Hoofin’ 4 Hardy. With the leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young people being Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Hoofin’ 4 Hardy aims to raise money to fund free EKG testing in suburban Chicago high schools in honor of Joshua Jared Hardy, a victim of the disease. Sign up for the Hoofin’ 4 Hardy 5K and help them reach their goal of $25,000.

http://www.hoofin4hardy.org/index.html

Long Grove Turkey Trot

Looking for a 5K close to home on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 27? Look no further than historic downtown Long Grove. Participants have the opportunity to compete in a 5K or 8K course that weaves through downtown Long Grove and finishes under the historic wood covered bridge built in 1925. With the race starting at 9 a.m., you will be home in no time to prepare for your big Turkey dinner. And with all of the funds from the race going to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, there is no better way to give back on a day all about giving thanks.

http://allcommunityevents.com/long_grove_turkey_trot/lgttinfo.html

The Ugly Sweater Run

If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for another reason to wear your ugly sweater outside of the designated school spirit day. Congratulations! Your search is over! Grab your ugliest sweaters and join thousands of other ugly sweater-wearing runners at Soldier Field on the morning of Nov. 29 to kickoff the holiday season. All participants receive a custom vintage knit hat and unlimited hot chocolate. And instead of the typical water pit stop during the course, runners are able to replenish their energy with a warm cup of hot chocolate before finishing the race.

http://theuglysweaterrun.com/locations/chicago-illinois/#.VGO8_mK9KK0

Santa Hustle 5K

What’s that? A bird? A plane? No, it’s thousands of Santas running along the lakefront in downtown Chicago. On Dec. 6, the 6th annual Santa Hustle will start at 9 a.m. at Soldier Field. All participants receive a Santa hat, beard and dri-fit sweatshirt. The race will raise money for the American Cancer Society. There’s no better way to get Santa’s attention and show him you’ve been nice than running alongside thousands of other jolly, red-cheeked, bearded athletes yelling “Ho Ho Ho!”

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/santa-hustle-chicago-5k-registration-11371742187