Empower Run 5K

About the Event

• Chip Timed for Age Groups
• Gun Time for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall winners. 
• Please Note if you do not register by March 13th, you may not receive the exact shirt size requested, or a T-shirt at all if you register late April. 
• CARA Certified! 

USATF COURSE CERTIFICATION NUMBER: IL16016NM

Event Details

• Saturday, May 2, 2026
• Independence Grove Forest Preserve 16400 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 

Event Schedule

• 7:30am        Onsite Registration Opens 
• 8:30am        Opening Ceremony  
• 9:00am        Race Begins 
• 10:15am      Closing Ceremony & Awards

Pricing

• Registration through February 28th, 2026
  • $30/Children 5 years old and under, $15
• Registration March 1 through May 1st, 2026
  • $35/Children 5 years old and under, $15
• Day of Registration
  • $45/Children 5 years old and under, $15

What is the EMPOWERUN 5K?

The 14th annual A Safe Place EMPOWERUN/WALK 5K is a dynamic fundraising event uniting 400+ runners, friends, and supporters for a memorable spring day. Together, we run, walk, or donate to aid survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking while supporting vital programs for Chicagoland families.
 
Funds raised at the EMPOWERUN/WALK 5K enable us to sustain our comprehensive services for families affected by domestic violence and human trafficking, while also advancing community awareness of the profound impact and repercussions of violence. As the primary service provider in Lake County dedicated solely to supporting survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, A Safe Place plays a vital role in addressing these critical issues within our community.
 
A Safe Place offers comprehensive programs aimed at helping survivors and their children rebuild their lives post-domestic violence, while also tackling the root causes through abuser intervention initiatives. Additionally, our community education efforts raise awareness about domestic violence and human trafficking, empowering individuals to take action towards their eradication. In the past year alone, A Safe Place reached over 32,000 community members, highlighting our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected.
 
Our services include emergency shelter, permanent housing, a 24-hour crisis line 800-600-SAFE (7233), advocacy, therapy for individuals and children, support groups, art therapy, family visitation, monitored custody exchanges, batterer intervention, prevention education in schools, and community training.

T-Shirts

Please Note if you do not register by March 13th, you may not receive the exact shirt size requested. 

Awards and Results

We will be Hosting the Awards Ceremony around between 10:00 and 10:15AM once a majority or all participants cross the finish line.

Award categories are as follows:

1st, 2nd, 3rd place Women (Overall)
1st, 2nd, 3rd place Men (Overall)

Age Groups (1st-2nd, male and female) 

10 and Under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Over

Finish Line Cutoff Time

All Participants must conclude their time no later than 10:15AM.

Timing

J3 Timing will be conducting Chip Timing for the EmpoweRun 5K. 

Parking

Please follow the EmpoweRun 5K signage directing you to the correct lots upon arrival. Parking will be in the 2 lots closest to the start of the race, they will be clearly marked day of. Please see map for parking location as well. 

Packet Pickup

Details regarding packet pickup, including dates, times, and locations, will be announced closer to the event. Participants will receive an email with all necessary information, and updates will also be posted on our website and social media. Stay tuned for more details!

Policies and Guidelines:

Strollers/Baby Joggers

• Participants with strollers or baby joggers must line up at the back of the starting area to avoid congestion and ensure a safe start for all runners.
• Strollers and baby joggers must be in good working condition and equipped with functioning brakes.
• Children in strollers or baby joggers must be securely buckled at all times during the race.
• Please stay to the right side of the course and be mindful of faster runners passing on the left.
• Refrain from sudden stops or turns that may disrupt other participants. Participants using strollers or baby joggers are responsible for maintaining control of their equipment and ensuring the safety of their child and others on the course. Please be prepared for various weather conditions and take appropriate precautions to keep your child safe and comfortable.

Pets

To ensure the safety and comfort of all participants, only service animals are permitted at the EmpoweRun 5K.

Bicycles/Other Wheeled Vehicles

Bicycles, in-line skates, roller skates, scooters, and other wheeled vehicles are prohibited. 

Inclement Weather

At A Safe Place, the safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff is our top priority. The EmpoweRun 5K will take place rain or shine; however, in the event of severe or hazardous weather conditions, the following policy will apply

Monitoring
Event organizers will continuously monitor weather conditions leading up to and during the race.
We will follow guidelines from the National Weather Service (NWS) and local authorities to ensure safety.

Possible Weather Adjustments

• Rain: The race will proceed as scheduled unless conditions become unsafe.
• Lightning & Thunderstorms: If lightning is detected within 10 miles of the course, the event will be delayed by 30 minutes from the last lightning strike. If conditions persist beyond a reasonable timeframe, the race may be canceled.

Communication

If conditions require cancellation before race day, participants will be notified via email, social media, and our website.

Refund Policy

The EmpoweRun 5K is a fundraising event, and all proceeds directly support A Safe Place’s programs and services. As such, no refunds will be issued under any circumstances, including event cancellation due to severe weather.