Abbott Chicago 5K
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Abbott Chicago 5K : Event information
The Abbott Chicago 5K is a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) road race held in downtown Chicago each October as part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon weekend. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026. The course weaves through downtown and passes notable Chicago landmarks.
Participants are assigned start corrals based on projected pace per mile; moving back to a slower corral is allowed as space permits. Bib numbers must be visibly fastened to the front of an outer layer with four pins, filled out on the back with emergency contact and medical information, and are non-transferable. A limited packet-mailing option was offered for the 2025 event to U.S. residents for a fee.
Race support includes one on-course aid station located near the halfway point offering water, medical support and toilet facilities. There is no gear check; participants are responsible for storing personal items offsite. A course time requirement is enforced: a 15-minute per mile pace and completion of the full 5K within 45 minutes and 59 seconds. Timing checkpoints are at the start and finish, and digital clocks display elapsed race time.
The event offers an Adaptive Program open to athletes with permanent intellectual or physical impairment. Organizers operate a color-coded Event Alert System to communicate race-condition status. The race supports a heart-health nonprofit called Tedy’s Team with a two-dollar donation for every participant who crosses the finish line. A personalized iTAB plate for finisher medals is available for purchase and is mailed after the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
