Blue Bridges 5K
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Blue Bridges 5K
The Blue Bridges 5K takes place in Blue Island, Illinois on 19 September 2026. The 5K run and walk follows a route along the Calumet Saganashkee Channel. The course starts and finishes at the historic Guildhaus property, passes neighborhood streets toward Fay’s Point Marina, and returns to Guildhaus for a local market fair.
Guildhaus, located on Canal Street, is a residential men's halfway house founded in 1987 that has provided support for people with substance use disorder for over 35 years. Its stated mission is to deliver conscientious, compassionate support to establish a recovery foundation and to transition residents to a drug and alcohol free lifestyle. Proceeds from the event will be used to open a women's treatment center and to expand services and campus capacity with a primary focus on women with substance use disorder.
Event logistics include a race lead on a bicycle for runners and walkers, beverages provided before the event and at a halfway water station, orange cups for water and purple cups for sports drink, a complimentary gear check, and distance markers at every half mile. The event is chip timed using RFID bib chips which must be worn on the front of the torso. Awards will be given to first, second and third placed male and female finishers; an overall winner will receive a prize. Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted and will start with walkers; bikes, skates and scooters are not allowed.
Packet pickup location is 13307 Olde Western Ave St, Blue Island, IL 60406. Volunteers will assist with parking; primary parking is under the Western Ave bridge off Broadway Rd between Olde Western and Rexford Dr. There will be no refunds. If the event is canceled, participants will receive an email with information to reschedule. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
