Cheesy Pretzel 5K and 1 Mile Walk

The Cheesy Pretzel 5K is back for 2026!

The Cheesy Pretzel 5k & 1 Mile Walk is a USATF certified 5k event [IL23028NM] that winds through The Promenade Bolingbrook and surrounding neighborhoods. All participants in the 5k and 1-mile walk will receive an order of Pretzel Bites and Cheese!

• Participants Receive: An order of Pretzel Bites and Cheese.
• First Registered: The first 575 registered participants will receive a moisture-wicking long sleeve shirt & Cheesy Pretzel Finisher Medal!
• Strollers Welcome: Stroller riders are free but will not receive a race shirt or finisher's medal.
• Age Requirement: Registered runners must be at least 5 years old.

Why is This Event Important?

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 help Heart Haven OutReach provide free mentoring, support groups, leadership programs, and safe spaces where teens can build resiliency, grow, and thrive.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Registration Link: 2026 Volunteer Registration - on SignUpGenius

Sponsorship Opportunities

• Packet: 2026 Sponsorship Packet

The First 575 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 October 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm
• Late & Day of Registration: $45 on October 2, 3, or 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 October 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm
• Late & Day of Registration: $45 on October 2, 3, or 4

Race Day Registration:

Registration on October 4th will be available beginning at 7:00 am ($45 for 5k & 1 Mile Walk). 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

Award Presentation:

There will be an awards presentation for the 5k event following the finish of the race. Trophies will be presented to the fastest overall male and female runners, along with medals for the top finishers in each age category.

Advance Packet Pick Up:

Avoid race day lines and come by to pick up your shirt, race bib, free raffle ticket, and other materials. Participants who register on October 2nd or 3rd cannot participate in Advance Packet Pickup and must pick up their race packets starting at 7 am on Race Day (October 4th).

• Friday, October 2nd: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
• Saturday, October 3rd: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Packet Pickup Address:

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

Shirt size preferences: are first come, first serve: corresponding to each participant's race registration date. The shirt inventory is updated automatically, so if we run out of a specific size, it will not be selectable. Once sizes are gone - they are gone!

For More Information:

Visit the official race page at Cheesy Pretzel 5K.