
From the Organizer
This is a great event whether you are a novice runner looking to run your first 5k, or a seasoned competitor looking to beat your personal best time. Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome to participate. The course consists of flat roadways and paths that wind through picturesque Krape Park. The race is also part of the Rockford Road Runners circuit. All pre-registered participants will receive an event T-shirt.
Starting in the parking lot near mini golf and the baseball field, along Yellow Creek, past the Krape Park waterfall, and twin caves, over two scenic bridges then out the tree lined south entrance of the park and return. Refreshments and awards after the race int eh Gunkle Shelter. The course is certified by USA Track and Field (code IL-12088-JW) and recognized by RRCA.
Events
Weather
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
82°
Typical Low
61°
Chance of Rain
35%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Freeport Waste Wtp, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
23,636
as of 2023
Elevation
797 ft
Nearest Airport
RFD
Chicago Rockford International Airport · 28 mi
Major Hub
ORD
Chicago O'Hare International Airport · 91 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Pretzel City 5k 8:00 AM Start, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
19
Days to train
Coming Up
Shoebox 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk
15 miles away
Tutty Baker Fest 5K
Less than a mile away
Healthy Heart Hustle 5K
Less than a mile away
Run The Valley 5k/10K
10 miles away
From Endurance Grid
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.
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)
Pretzel City 5k 8:00 AM Start
Jun 27, 2026