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Which Fun Run Should You Do This Fall?

Not ready for 26.2 miles? There are plenty of marathon alternatives in October.

By Lauren WIlliamson
September 24, 2015, 11:02 am
The start of the Ditka Dash 5K at Soldier Field Photo: Courtesy of Ditka Dash 5K
 
 

Rosehill Cemetery Crypt 5K

Rosehill Cemetery
October 10, $35, chicagoevents.com
This candlelit course weaves past the graves of Oscar Mayer, John G. Shedd, and 10-plus Chicago mayors, so you can say thanks for the hot dogs, aquariums, and political high jinks.

Infected Zombie Run 5K

Swallow Cliff Woods, Palos Park
October 3, $60, runfromtheinfected.com
Motivation to book it comes from zombies who try to snatch the flags tucked into each runner’s waistband.

This Run’s for Jack 5K

Ackerman Park, Glen Ellyn
October 18, $25, jacksfund.org
The blasé rules say you can stream a video of the course and “run/walk a treadmill, around the neighborhood or don’t run at all.”

World’s Largest Corn Maze 5K

Richardson Adventure Farm, Spring Grove
October 18, $31, allcommunityevents.com
Ropes across wrong turns keep you from getting lost in this labyrinth (see: The Shining) shaped like the Blackhawks logo.

Muddy Monk Thriller 5K

Hammel Woods, Shorewood
October 31, $35, muddymonk.com
Why would you want to ford creeks, climb hills, and dodge roots, rocks, and branches? Unlimited craft beer at the finish line.

Monster Dash

Half Marathon/10K/5K

Arvey Field at Grant Park
October 31, $39 and up, chicagomonster.org
Prerace costume judging means you don’t have to worry about sweating off your slutty clown makeup.

 

Ditka Dash 5K

Soldier Field
October 3, $55, ditkadash.com
Every runner gets a pair of aviators, a can of beer, and a stick-on Ditka-style lip rug (if needed). Super Bowl Shuffling through the race, optional.

Tags: Politics & City Life, Sports

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