
From the Organizer
WELCOME RUN 2026 – FOR NEW BEGINNINGS is coordinated by The Welcome Network, a nonprofit organization serving the greater Chicagoland area and dedicated to upholding the human dignity of some of the most vulnerable people in our community—immigrant newcomers seeking safety, stability, and a fresh start.
Funds raised through the Welcome Run directly support The Welcome Network’s Welcome Homes & Resettlement Program, which provides temporary housing and holistic support to asylum seekers and refugees rebuilding their lives in the United States. Through this program, newcomer families receive assistance with housing, utilities, food, transportation, case management, community connections, and volunteer support as they work toward long-term independence and stability.
This year’s theme, "For New Beginnings," celebrates hope, resilience, and the opportunity to move forward together as a community. Whether you are running, walking, volunteering, or cheering others on, every step helps create pathways toward safety and belonging for families starting a new chapter in their lives.
"The Welcome Network is dedicated to upholding the human dignity of some of the most vulnerable people in our community."
The Welcome Run is open to both serious runners and casual walkers. Families, children, and strollers are welcome as we celebrate a fun and meaningful community event together. Timing services and race results will be professionally managed by j3 Timing, with awards presented to top overall finishers and age-group winners.
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
66°
Typical Low
45°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Park Forest, 9 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
28,415
as of 2023
Elevation
622 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 Welcome Run 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
42nd All-American Mile Run
5 miles away
Festival of the Lakes Roadie Run
4 miles away
2nd Annual (2026) Marching Mustang 5K Color Run!
2 miles away
F3 5K 4 Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center
5 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)
Welcome Run 5K
Oct 10, 2026