The Midway 5K Run & Walk is back! On Sunday, September 13, 2026, runners and walkers will once again have the rare opportunity to take over the airfield at Chicago Midway International Airport for a race experience unlike any other.
This race is a powerful opportunity to bring together community, aviation, and philanthropy in support of our work at Special Children’s Charities. Proceeds from the event directly fund year round sports, recreation, and enrichment programs for children and adults with disabilities across Chicago.
Presented in partnership with Southwest Airlines, Chicago Department of Aviation, and Midway Management Group, this event is designed for participants of all ages and fitness levels, making it a great opportunity for individuals, families, and the broader community to get involved.
Event Details
9:00 AM: 5K Run & Walk
10:00 AM: Midway Miler for Kids (aged 5-10)
Want to run with your group? Group rates are available!
Groups of 10 or more runners receive 10% off the registration fee for the Midway 5K ($45 for adults, $18 for kids 16 and under). We will also list your group/organization's name and logo (if applicable) on signage at the event. If you're interested in registering as a group, please contact info@ignitebluepartners.com.
What You Get
5K Participants:
- Official Race Shirt
- Chipped Race Bib
Kids Miler Participants:
- Official Race Shirt
- Chipped Race Bib
- Finisher Ribbon/Pin
Packet Pickup
Make sure to grab your race packet in advance to avoid any issues getting through security. We have both a Downtown location and Beverly location!
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Location: Special Children’s Charities (South Loop)
2 E 8th St, Suite 2M
Chicago, IL 60605
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM*
*Time subject to change
Friday, September 11, 2026
Location: Running Excels (Beverly)
10328 S Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60643
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM*
*Time subject to change
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Location: Hale Park Fieldhouse
6258 W. 62nd St.
Chicago, IL 60638
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM*
*Time subject to change
Race Day Schedule
Take a peek at the race day schedule below so you don’t miss start times, awards and key logistics.
Sunday, September 13, 2026
- 7:30 AM: Race Day Security Screening/Registration
- 9:00 AM: 5K Start
- Post Race: 5K Awards Ceremony
- 10:00 AM: Kids Miler
- Post Race: Kids Miler Awards Ceremony
- 11:00 AM: Race Day Concludes
What to Expect
- B-Tag timing for accurate official results
- Post-race awards
- High-energy, family-friendly atmosphere with a DJ, face painting, and more!
Parking & Transportation
We encourage carpooling and arriving early, as traffic congestion, street closures, and required security screening may add to your arrival time. Please allow plenty of extra time, as roads surrounding Midway tend to get busy on race morning.
Parking: The Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) Economy Parking Garage and Lot is located at 5050 West 55th Street. Staff will be onsite to direct participants through the Laramie pedestrian exit and down the street to the Southwest Airlines hangar entrance. Complimentary parking validation will be provided at the event.
Results & Timing
This race is officially timed because every second counts when incredible prizes are on the line!
The Midway 5K and Kids Miler uses a disposable B-Tag timing system. Your timing chip is attached directly to the back of your bib and should remain in place for the entire race. To make sure your time is recorded clean and accurate, confirm your bib is:
* Clearly visible on the front of your torso
* Unaltered (no folding, wrinkling, or trimming)
* Pinned in all four corners
* Not covered by jackets, runner belts, or gear
Timing clocks will be visible at both the start and finish lines so you can check your pace as you race.
Get ready to be cheered on by family, friends, and fellow runners as they run, jog, walk, or skip their way to the finish.
Awards
Whether you're racing for a personal best or simply enjoying the one-of-a-kind opportunity to run on Midway Airport's airfield, there are exciting prizes waiting at the finish line!
5K Awards
- Top Overall Male
- Two roundtrip Southwest Airlines tickets to anywhere Southwest flies (Valid for one year)
- Top Overall Female
- Two roundtrip Southwest Airlines tickets to anywhere Southwest flies (Valid for one year)
- “Mid-way” Runner – Participant who finishes mid-pack!
- Two roundtrip Southwest Airlines tickets to anywhere Southwest flies (Valid for one year)
Kids Miler Awards
Our youngest runners have plenty to celebrate too!
- Top Overall Male
- Southwest Airlines-branded canvas tote filled with goodies
- $100 Gift Card to Running Excels
- Four (4) Platinum Box tickets to the Chicago White Sox vs. Colorado Rockies game on September 25, 2026
- Top Overall Female
- Southwest Airlines-branded canvas tote filled with goodies
- $100 Gift Card to Running Excels
- Four (4) Platinum Box tickets to the Chicago White Sox vs. Colorado Rockies game on September 25, 2026
- “Mid-way” Runner – Participant who finishes mid-pack!
- Southwest Airlines-branded canvas tote filled with goodies
- $100 Gift Card to Running Excels
- Autographed Colson Montgomery Baseball
Awards and Ceremony
Stick around, we promise it’s worth the wait! All Awards Ceremonies will take place in the Southwest Airlines hangar post 5K and post Kids Miler races!