Runway To a Cure
- Date
- September 19, 2026
- Location
- 3215 E 1969th Rd, Ottawa, IL
- Distance
- Runway To A Cure 5K · Survivor Run/Walk · Family Walk / Run
From the Organizer
Runway to a Cure 5K
Saturday, September 19 • Skydive Chicago • Ottawa, Illinois
Packet Pick-up 7:00am • Race Starts 8:00am
Join us for Runway to a Cure, a one-of-a-kind 5K run and walk held directly on the runway at Skydive Chicago—bringing our community together to raise meaningful support for cancer research and honor the strength of survivors, fighters, and the loved ones we carry with us.
This powerful event was inspired by a personal journey through cancer treatment and the extraordinary care received at Northwestern Medicine. Runway to a Cure transforms gratitude into action, creating an unforgettable experience where every step taken on the runway helps move us closer to a cure.
What to Expect
A unique runway-based 5K course open to runners and walkers of all ages
A moving Survivor Recognition Lap to celebrate courage and resilience
Skydiver flag landing ceremony honoring those impacted by cancer
Family-friendly atmosphere with music, community sponsors, and activities
Raffles, silent auction, and post-race celebration at JumpRun Café
Whether you’re running for someone you love, celebrating survivorship, or simply supporting the cause, your participation makes a difference.
Our Mission
All proceeds from Runway to a Cure support ongoing cancer research, helping advance treatments, improve outcomes, and bring hope to families facing cancer today and in the future.
Together, we run with purpose.
Together, we run toward a cure.
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
76°
Typical Low
53°
Chance of Rain
28%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Ottawa 5sw, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Ottawa, IL
Population
18,714
as of 2023
Elevation
486 ft
Nearest Airport
RFD
Chicago Rockford International Airport · 60 mi
Major Hub
MDW
Chicago Midway International Airport · 64 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
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Runway To a Cure, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Ottawa, IL
SRRL Kid's Running Clinic
13 miles away
Berta's Tap Spirits Run - Ottawa
Less than a mile away
Run the Plank 5k
5K
Less than a mile away
Run Today for Tomorrow
Less than a mile away
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 Runway To a Cure?
- Runway To a Cure is a running race held in Ottawa, Illinois on September 19, 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 Runway To a Cure?
- Saturday, September 19, 2026 in Ottawa, Illinois at 3215 E 1969th Rd, Ottawa, IL. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Runway To a Cure?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Runway To a Cure
Sep 19, 2026