Cheesy Pretzel 5K and 1 Mile Walk

The Cheesy Pretzel 5K is back for 2026!

• Event Details: The Cheesy Pretzel 5K & 1 Mile Walk is a USATF certified 5k event [IL23028NM] that winds through The Promenade Bolingbrook and surrounding neighborhoods.
• Participants: All participants in the 5K and 1 Mile Walk will receive an order of Pretzel Bites and Cheese!
• Shirts and Medals: The first 550 registered participants will receive a moisture-wicking long sleeve shirt & Cheesy Pretzel Finisher Medal!
• Registration Notes: Stroller riders are free but will not receive a race shirt or finisher's medal. Registered runners must be at least 5 years old. Participants in the 1 Mile Walk will follow a course through The Promenade Bolingbrook. The walk is an untimed event.

Why is This Event Important?

• Community Impact: The Cheesy Pretzel 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk isn’t just about crossing the finish line: it’s about making a real difference for local teens who need support, guidance, and hope.
• Proceeds: Proceeds help Heart Haven OutReach provide free mentoring, support groups, leadership programs, and safe spaces where teens can build resiliency, grow and thrive.
• Charity Participation: Through our Charity of Choice program, we encourage participants to help raise funds for other local nonprofit close to their heart.
• Ways to Get Involved: Whether you run, walk, volunteer, sponsor, or donate, your involvement helps strengthen the community and empower local teens.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Link Information: Volunteer Opportunities link TBA, Summer 2026.
• Sponsorship Details: Sponsorship Opportunities link TBA, Spring 2026.

The First 550 Participants to Register Will Receive:

• Finisher Medal: Custom Finisher Medal.
• Shirt: Dry-Fit Long Sleeve Shirt.

5K Registration Fee:

• Loyalty Discount: $30 by July 24, 2026 at 11:59pm.
• Early Bird Discount: $35 by August 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
• Standard Registration: $40 by September 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
• Late Registration: $45 on October 1, 2 or 3 (No Advance Packet Pickup).
• Day of Registration: $45 on October 4.

1 Mile Walk Registration Fee:

• Loyalty Discount: $30 by July 24, 2026 at 11:59pm.
• Early Bird Discount: $35 by August 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
• Standard Registration: $40 by September 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
• Late Registration: $45 on October 1, 2 or 3 (No Advance Packet Pickup).
• Day of Registration: $45 on October 4.

Race Day Registration:

• Start Time: Registration begins at 7:00 am ($45 for 5K & 1 Mile Walk).
• Weather Policy: The Cheesy Pretzel 5K and 1 Mile Walk runs rain or shine. No refunds available.

Event Schedule:

• 7:00 am: Day of Packet Pickup & Day of Registration Opens.
• 7:30 am: Warm-up.
• 8:00 am: 5K start time.
• 8:05 am: 1 Mile Walk start time.
• 9:15 am: Awards ceremony. Post-race refreshments will be provided by Meijer.

Award Presentation:

• Awards: There will be an awards presentation for the 5K event following the finish of the race.
• Trophies: Trophies presented to the fastest overall male and female runners.
• Medals: First, Second & Third Place Medals will be awarded to the top male and top female finishers in each age category (10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, etc.).

Advance Packet Pick Up:

• Avoid Lines: Participants can come by to pick up your shirt, race bib, free raffle ticket, and other materials.
• Important Note: Participants who wait to register on October 1st, 2nd or 3rd cannot participate in Advance Packet Pickup.
• Pickup Times:
• Friday, October 2nd: 4:00pm - 8:00pm.
• Saturday, October 3rd: 10:00am - 2:00pm (Times have been extended by 2 hours for 2026!).

Packet Pickup Address:

• Star Cinema Grill
• 619 E Boughton Rd Suite 200
• Bolingbrook, IL 60440

Shirt Size Preferences:

• First Come, First Serve: Corresponding to each participant's race registration date.
• Inventory Update: The shirt inventory is updated automatically: if we run out of a specific size - it will not be selectable when checking out.
• Size Availability: Once sizes are gone - they are gone!

For more information, visit the race page at Cheesy Pretzel 5K.