Event Details
The Will Run for Beer Chicago 5K & Brewfest returns to Lincoln Park on October 24, 2026. Run the 5K or just come for the beer tasting and party! All event details including location, start times, packet pickup information, and Brewfest details can be found below.
🏃♀️ Course Overview
Distance: 5K
Location: Chicago, IL
Course Type: Loop (start and finish in same area)
Start/Finish Area: Central hub that also hosts the Brewfest
Mile Markers: Marked at Miles 1, 2, and 3
Aid Station: At least one on course
Post-Race: Brewfest located near the finish
Packet Pick-Up
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026:
Time: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: Fleet Feet Old Town
1706 N Wells St,
Chicago, IL 60614
*Due to the size of the race, race day packet pick-up will no longer be available.*
Packet Mailing
Save time on packet pick-up by adding on packet mailing at registration! Already registered? Don’t worry! You can add it on through your EnMotive account by following these instructions.
The deadline to add packet mailing to your registration is October 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST. Please note, we are unable to mail out packets after the packet mailing deadline has passed.
Directions & Parking
Help us reduce our carbon footprint! We highly recommend using public transportation or rideshare.
To determine the best route to travel via public transportation, please visit the CTA's trip planner.
Limited street parking may be available. Paid parking is available at the Lincoln Park Zoo Lot (on Cannon Drive, just south of Fullerton) on a first come, first serve basis.
This is a beer themed event with the opportunity to taste over 20 different beers. Please plan accordingly, drink responsibly, designate a driver, and or use shared ride services such as Lyft or Uber.
Awards
Overall awards will be given to the top three male and female winners in the 5K. Each winner will receive a Will Run For Beer Growler filled with Begyle Blonde plus a gift voucher to Fleet Feet Chicago.
Age group awards will be given to the top three male and female winners in the following age groups: 21-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 –79, 80-84, 85+.
*Must be 21 or older to receive the growler.
Event Alert System
A color-coded Event Alert System (EAS) will communicate the status of course conditions to participants leading up to and on race day. The levels range from Low (green) to Moderate (yellow) to High (red) to Extreme (black) based primarily on the weather, as well as other conditions.
Email and website communication during race week will inform participants of the current Event Alert System status and provide preparation tips based on advance weather forecasts.
Updates will be made at the participant packet pick-up area and public address announcements.
On race day, the current Event Alert System status will be communicated via public address announcements and color-coded signs/flags at the start and finish areas, and along the course at aid station locations and locations around the stadium.
All participants should familiarize themselves with the Event Alert System prior to the race, remain alert for directions from race officials and announcers and take precautions to prepare properly for varying weather conditions on race day.
Brewfest
Opens at 2:00 p.m.
After you cross the finish line, the real party begins! Raise a (tasting) glass to your accomplishment at our Lager Than Life post-race celebration—featuring complimentary craft beer samples from top Chicago-area breweries, live music, and mouthwatering snacks.
