Sweet Ride | Bike • Run • Walk logo
Cycling

Sweet Ride | Bike • Run • Walk

Date
October 3, 2026
Distance
5K · Under 25 mi · 25–50 mi
Price
$30–$50
Register →

From the Organizer

Get out of the city and join us for a bike ride or run along the Des Plaines river in Willow Springs. We have distances for everyone. Choose between a 40k or 65k bike ride or a 5k fun run/walk. Experience the camaraderie and community of people coming together for a cause to better diabetes care in the greater Chicago area. All proceeds will go directly to our mission to transform diabetes care and research in Chicago.

COURSE MAPS All event maps can be found here. Athletes are responsible for having and knowing the course route for their event. There will be signs on course to help guide but ultimately it is the athletes responsibility. 

Join us for the post-race party after the event at Imperial Oak Brewing.

On Course

  • Except for passing, participants should always remain on the right side of the trail. 
  • Helmets are required for ALL cyclists throughout their entire ride.
  • The 65k route has about 25k (15miles of crushed gravel trail). The 40k route is all paved. 
  • Water Jugs will available for all participants at the 40k turn around at Centennial Trail Schneider's Passage (approximately mile 12.5 and mile 30 for the 65k route). You must have your own water bottle to refill. 
  • Water will be available for 5k participants at the start and finish (you must have your own water bottle to fill)

Registration

  • Online registration will close Thursday, October 1st at 11:59 pm.  
  • Check in event morning will take place in the parking lot beginning at 8:15

T-shirts

  • Sweet Ride t-shirt sizing is guaranteed for all participants who register before 9/10. After 9/10, t-shirts will be first come first served and size will be based on availability. Shirt sizing is unisex.

Events

Sweet Ride 65K Bike$50
Sweet Ride 40K Bike$50
Sweet Ride 5K Run/Walk$30

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

73°

Typical Low

48°

Chance of Rain

32%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Little Red School Hse, 2 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 6:51 AMSunset 6:31 PMDaylight 11h 40m

Host City

About Willow Springs, IL

Population

5,871

as of 2023

City Elevation

606 ft

Nearest Airport

MDW

Chicago Midway International Airport · 7 mi

Time Zone

Central Time

From Endurance Grid

A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Sweet Ride | Bike • Run • Walk, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

108

Days to train

Race
Sweet Ride | Bike • Run • Walk
Date
October 3, 2026

From Endurance Grid

About These Sports

This race spans more than one sport — here’s a guide to each, so you can understand what’s involved and decide if it’s the right fit. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.

Cycling

Gran fondo, century rides, and road races. Built around sustained effort and pacing judgment.

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 Sweet Ride | Bike • Run • Walk?
Sweet Ride | Bike • Run • Walk is a cycling race held in Willow Springs, Illinois on October 3, 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 cycling races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the Sweet Ride | Bike • Run • Walk?
Saturday, October 3, 2026 in Willow Springs, Illinois at John Husar I.M. Canal Yellow Trail. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Sweet Ride | Bike • Run • Walk?
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

Sweet Ride | Bike • Run • Walk

Oct 3, 2026

Register →