2026 Meatballs on the Run 5K
Sun, May 24, 2026, 5:00 AM CDT
- Location
- 305 N Main St, Benld, IL 62009
- Featured distance
- 5K
- Type
- Run
Sign up and verify details on the organizer's official page.
Race feel
Run, walk, or jog through Benld before rewarding yourself with free festival spaghetti at the 72nd Annual Italian-American Days.
- Fun
- Quirky
- Festive
Fun
Quirky
FestiveJoin the inaugural Meatballs on the Run 5K, a delightful addition to the 72nd Annual Benld Italian-American Days. This event welcomes all paces, from competitive runners to casual walkers, inviting everyone to enjoy a morning of movement before indulging in the festival's culinary delights. Celebrate community and culture, and earn your post-race reward of free festival spaghetti. It’s a perfect blend of cardio and carbs, marking the start of a potential new Benld tradition.
What to expect
- Experience the first-ever Meatballs on the Run 5K, welcoming all paces.
- Enjoy a festive atmosphere as part of the Benld Italian-American Days.
From the organizer
🏃♂️🍝 Introducing the INAUGURAL 2026 Meatballs on the Run 5K! 🍝🏃♀️
Proudly sponsored by the Gillespie Cross Country Boosters
For the first time ever during the 72nd Annual Benld Italian-American Days , we’re adding a little cardio before the carbs!
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026 Start Time: 9:00 AM Location: Benld City Park Join us for the inaugural Meatballs on the Run 5K , whether you’re a competitive runner, casual jogger, or firmly in the “I’m walking and that’s final” category — everyone is welcome!
Why run? It’s simple:
👉 Get your workout in. 👉 Feel accomplished. 👉 Then reward yourself with a plate of FREE festival spaghetti later that morning. We call that elite-level carb strategy. 💪🍝
Registration Fee: $35 Includes: Official event t-shirt (proof you earned your noodles!) 👕 Be part of year one of what might just become Benld’s newest tradition. Come for the run, stay for the sauce, and celebrate 72 years of community and culture!
Shirt