Abbott Chicago 5K 2026 – Shakeout Run in Downtown Chicago

The Abbott Chicago 5K is a traditional warm-up race held in the heart of the city on Chicago Marathon weekend. In 2026, the event will take place on Saturday, October 10, the day before the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The course runs through downtown Chicago, with participants covering 3.1 miles past some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s an ideal shakeout run to test your pace, loosen up your legs before Sunday’s marathon or simply enjoy a short race in a big-event atmosphere.

Every Abbott Chicago 5K participant receives a bib number assigned to a specific start corral based on their projected pace per mile. If you want to run with someone placed in a different corral, you may move back to a later corral as space allows. Your bib must be attached with four safety pins or magnets to the front of your outer layer and remain visible throughout the race. Do not bend, cover or alter your bib in any way. Wearing your bib incorrectly—for example on a race belt or at your waist—may result in inaccurate timing or disqualification. Be sure to fill out the back of your bib with emergency contact details and medical information. Your bib is personal and non-transferable; it may not be given or sold to another runner.

Course and On-Course Support

The Abbott Chicago 5K course winds through downtown streets, taking runners past well-known Chicago locations and characteristic city blocks. It’s a short, fast-moving race that lets you experience the energy of marathon weekend in a compact format. There is one aid station on the course, located around the halfway point. Runners will find water, medical support and toilet facilities there. Organizers emphasize that this is the only on-course support station.

Time Limit

The time limit to complete the race is 45 minutes. Participants must maintain a pace of 15 minutes per mile to be recorded as official finishers. Runners who exceed the time limit may not receive full on-course support and may not appear in the official results. Timing is recorded at the start and finish lines, with your chip registering when you cross each timing mat. Digital clocks at the start and finish display the elapsed time from the official start of the race. Your individual time may differ from the clock display depending on when you cross the start line.

Gear Check and Logistics

There is no gear check available at the Abbott Chicago 5K, so runners must arrange secure storage for their belongings before the race. Do not leave any items near the start, finish or along the course. Unattended items will be removed and will not be available for collection later. Organizers recommend using public transportation to avoid logistical issues. CTA and Metra provide numerous options for reaching downtown quickly, and detailed route and schedule information is available at transitchicago.com and metra.com.

Expo and Packet Pick-Up

Race packets for the Abbott Chicago 5K can be picked up at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo, held at McCormick Place Convention Center (2301 S. Martin Luther King Dr.). The Expo runs for two days: Thursday, October 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday, October 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It’s also a chance to explore sports brands, collect race swag, check out new gear and soak up the atmosphere of a major running weekend.

Race Day – Key Details

The Abbott Chicago 5K will take place on Saturday, October 10, in Grant Park. Start corrals open at 6:30 a.m., the wheelchair start is scheduled for 7:25 a.m., and the main race start is at 7:30 a.m. The finish line will close at 9:00 a.m. It’s worth arriving early to enter your corral calmly, get ready for the race and avoid congestion around the start area.