
Tails on the Trail 5K & 1-Mile Wag & Walk is a running race on August 29, 2026 in Matteson, IL, with entry fees from $30 to $45.
From the Organizer
THE INAUGURAL
Tails on the Trail 5K & 1-Mile Wag & Walk
Come join us along for a 5K and 1-Mile Wag & Walk along the Old Plank Road Trail, bringing our community together for a fun, inclusive event benefiting the animals of South Suburban Humane Society.
Participants can choose between two ways to take part:
Tails on the Trail 5K -
a professionally timed 5K for runners looking for an accurate, high-quality race experience
1-Mile Wag & Walk -
a relaxed, accessible walk designed for participants of all abilities, families, and friendly, leashed pets
Whether you’re racing for a personal best or strolling alongside your four-legged friend, every step supports pets in need.
Registration includes entry into either the 5K or the Wag & Walk, allowing participants to choose the experience that best fits their pace and comfort level.
Proceeds from the event help provide lifesaving care for animals at South Suburban Humane Society, including medical treatment, spay/neuter services, food, and daily care while pets await loving homes.
Join us on the trail to walk, run, and wag your way toward second chances, because every step brings hope.
Packet Pick-up
Wednesday, 8/26 12:00-7:00PM
SSHS Shelter (Adoptions door)
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Saturday 8:30-10:00AM
Behind SSHS building
Register by 8/8 to guarantee your shirt size!
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
81°
Typical Low
60°
Chance of Rain
28%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Park Forest, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
18,681
as of 2023
City Elevation
715 ft
Nearest Airport
MDW
Chicago Midway International Airport · 19 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 Tails on the Trail 5K & 1-Mile Wag & Walk, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
37
Days to train
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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 an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
SSW Running Club Club Challenge 5k
7 miles away
Bloom Alumni Cross Country Meet
6 miles away
St. Veronica 6k Run/Walk for Scholarships
4 miles away
4th Annual DBC Keys 2 Stability Community 5K 2026
5 miles away
Plan your trip
Coming from out of town? There's more to Matteson than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to MattesonFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tails on the Trail 5K & 1-Mile Wag & Walk
Aug 29, 2026