Polka Run 5K
- Date
- July 12, 2026
- Distance
- Polka Run 5K
From the Organizer
Polka Run 5K – First Inaugural Edition
Welcome to the first-ever Polka Run 5K! This unforgettable race is proudly part of the Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival, taking place July 10–12 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.
The polka is a lively, joyful traditional dance known for its fast tempo and playful spins — the moment the music starts, your feet can’t help but twirl in circles! So what better place to celebrate the polka spirit than with the stunning Chicago skyline as your backdrop?
If you love to dance, come polka your way through the course. If you’d rather run — then run! Whether you take polka steps or running strides, enjoy the breathtaking views along Lake Shore Drive and the shores of Lake Michigan, cheered on by an amazing crowd. Wear the vibrant colors of the Lithuanian flag — yellow, green, and red — and turn the 5K into a moving celebration of culture and community, like autumn leaves dancing along the path!
Walkers are warmly welcome too! This is a limited-capacity event, so register soon and secure your spot to experience the run, the music, the energy, and the unforgettable Lithuanian vibe.
Join us for a celebration of movement, culture, and community — see you at the starting line!
Every runner and walker gets a distinctive, custom finisher medal — a memorable piece you’ll be excited to wear and show off!
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
81°
Typical Low
67°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Chicago Northerly Is, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Chicago, IL
Population
2,707,648
as of 2023
Elevation
594 ft
Nearest Airport
MDW
Chicago Midway International Airport · 6 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Polka Run 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
34
Days to train
- Race
- Polka Run 5K
- Date
- July 12, 2026
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Polka Run 5K?
- Polka Run 5K is a running race held in Chicago, Illinois on July 12, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Polka Run 5K?
- Sunday, July 12, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois at Margaret T. Burroughs Beach And Park, Chicago, IL. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Polka Run 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Polka Run 5K
Jul 12, 2026