Candy Cane Course- Greater Chicago
Sat, Dec 12, 2026, 4:00 AM CST
- Location
- Greater Chicago, IL 60404
- Type
- Run
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
A festive, family-friendly run in Greater Chicago, offering multiple distances, fun swag, and a joyful Christmas theme.
- Fun
- Festive
Fun
FestiveGreat for
- Family Friendly
- Kids & Youth
- Walkers Welcome
Family Friendly
Kids & Youth
Walkers WelcomeEmbrace the holiday spirit at the annual Candy Cane Course in Greater Chicago. This Christmas-themed event offers a joyful experience for all ages, featuring 5K, 10K, 15K, and 1 Mile distances, plus a kids' dash. Enjoy great swag, including a designer shirt and custom medal, along with chip-timing for longer distances and free photos. Delicious treats await at the finish line, making it a perfect festive outing for friends and family. A virtual option is also available to join the fun from anywhere.
What to expect
- Run 5K, 10K, 15K, or 1 Mile, with a special untimed kids' dash.
- Receive a designer shirt, custom medal, and bib.
- Enjoy chip-timing, live results, awards, free photos, and delicious finish line treats.
Standout details
- Christmas-themed event
- Designer shirt & custom medal
- Free photos
- Youth pricing available
Perks & features
- Medal
- Swag Included
Medal
Swag IncludedFrom the public listing; confirm on the official site.
Distances & registration
6 optionsUse the official signup link above for all distances.
50m
1 option · closes Dec 12, 2026, 4:15 AM CST
7mo 13d 21h 6m leftKids Dash
Closes Dec 12, 2026, 4:15 AM CST · From $25.98
1 Mile
1 option · closes Dec 12, 2026, 4:15 AM CST
7mo 13d 21h 6m leftGeneral entry
Closes Dec 12, 2026, 4:15 AM CST · From $30.98
5K
1 option · closes Dec 12, 2026, 4:15 AM CST
7mo 13d 21h 6m leftGeneral entry
Closes Dec 12, 2026, 4:15 AM CST · From $42.28
10K
1 option · closes Dec 12, 2026, 4:15 AM CST
7mo 13d 21h 6m leftGeneral entry
Closes Dec 12, 2026, 4:15 AM CST · From $42.28
15K
1 option · closes Dec 12, 2026, 4:15 AM CST
7mo 13d 21h 6m leftGeneral entry
Closes Dec 12, 2026, 4:15 AM CST · From $42.28
Other options
1 option · closes Dec 12, 2026, 4:15 AM CST
7mo 13d 21h 6m leftVirtual Race
Closes Dec 12, 2026, 4:15 AM CST · From $46.28
Summaries use public event text. Confirm schedule, fees, and rules on the official page before you sign up.
Past race snapshot
What the field usually feels like
A plain-English read from past public results. It is helpful context, not a prediction.
Crowd
Small field
151 5K finishers in 2025. A quieter race where the pack may spread out more quickly.
Typical finish
42:32
Think middle-of-the-pack, using chip time when available.
Competitive feel
Lively front
The faster end moves well, but the race still has room for everyday runners. Front-group read: 28:11.
People mix
More women
About 65% women and 35% men among finishers who listed gender.
Quick read
For the 5K in 2025, this looks like a small field: 151 finishers are represented here. A middle-of-the-pack finish was around 42:32. The quicker front of the field averaged about 28:11. Use it as a feel check, not a promise about race day.
Where runners came from
Aggregated city counts only. Small groups stay hidden in public views.
Joliet, IL
Travel draw
Plainfield, IL
Travel draw
Minooka, IL
Travel draw
Elgin, IL
Travel draw
Shorewood, IL
Travel draw
Award clues
Historic placement clues only. Race-day awards can use different rules.
F 1 - 10
Top 3 (from posted divisions)
F 11 - 14
Top 3 (from posted divisions)
F 15 - 19
Top 3 (from posted divisions)
F 20 - 24
Top 3 (from posted divisions)
F 25 - 29
Top 3 (from posted divisions)
Show the year-by-year numbers
| Distance | Year | Finishers | Typical | Average | Front 10% | Fastest M / W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | 2025 | 151 | 42:32 | 44:00 | 28:11 | 22:30 / 23:24 |
| 5K | 2022 | 150 | 34:43 | 38:12 | 23:11 | 20:07 / 22:59 |
Last summary update: May 2, 2026
From the organizer
Join us for the annual Candy Cane Course 5k/10k/15k! A fun, Christmas-themed event that is perfect for the whole family. The fun includes -
Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal
Chip-timing with live results and awards
Free photos
Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line
Plenty of fun!
Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!
Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!
*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $22!
5k/10k/15k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)
*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!