Galena 5k Stair Challenge

Galena 5K Stair Challenge : Galena, Illinois

The Galena 5K Stair Challenge is a community running event held in Galena, Illinois on September 12, 2026. The event is hosted by the Galena Area EMS District, the Galena Police Department and the Galena Fire Department and honors the 25th anniversary of 9/11 while recognizing local first responders. Activities are staged at Green Street Plaza with staging and lap/finish activity on Bench Street.

The event program includes:

• 1 lap fun run/walk, mass start, not timed
• 5 km (7 lap) stair challenge with chip timing for the timed field

Registration is online only beginning March 20, 2026; the timed field is limited to 200 athletes while the fun run/walk has no limit. Registrations will close when the timed field is filled or on September 11, 2026. Participants who register before August 23, 2026 receive a t-shirt and medal; registrations after August 29, 2026 are not guaranteed a t-shirt. Waves of approximately five participants are formed and start at one minute intervals; participants will be notified of wave assignments by email. Packet pickup is available the day before at the Galena Area EMS Station and on race morning at Green Street Plaza. The event includes demonstrations, vendors, age-group awards, a fundraising challenge with a $50 suggested minimum, and a recovery area with water for seven-lap finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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