Polka Run 5K
- Date Sun 12th July 2026
- Time 7:00AM CDT
- Location Chicago, Illinois
- Price $43.40
- Races 1 race
- Distances 5km
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Join us for the exhilarating inaugural Polka Run 5K on Sunday, July 12, 2026, in the vibrant city of Chicago, Cook County! This unique event is part of the Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival, taking place from July 10 to 12 at the iconic McCormick Place Convention Center. Celebrate culture and community as you dance or run your way through this lively 5K course, with the stunning Chicago skyline as your backdrop.
Feel the rhythm of the polka as you enjoy breathtaking views along Lake Shore Drive and the shores of Lake Michigan, all while being cheered on by enthusiastic supporters. Participants are encouraged to wear the vibrant colors of the Lithuanian flag—yellow, green, and red—transforming the race into a joyful celebration of movement. This event welcomes both runners and walkers, making it a perfect occasion for everyone to join in the fun. Don’t miss your chance to earn a distinctive finisher medal to commemorate your experience. With limited capacity, be sure to secure your spot early and get ready to embrace the unforgettable spirit of the Polka Run 5K!
Feel the rhythm of the polka as you enjoy breathtaking views along Lake Shore Drive and the shores of Lake Michigan, all while being cheered on by enthusiastic supporters. Participants are encouraged to wear the vibrant colors of the Lithuanian flag—yellow, green, and red—transforming the race into a joyful celebration of movement. This event welcomes both runners and walkers, making it a perfect occasion for everyone to join in the fun. Don’t miss your chance to earn a distinctive finisher medal to commemorate your experience. With limited capacity, be sure to secure your spot early and get ready to embrace the unforgettable spirit of the Polka Run 5K!
Organiser's Description
POLKA RUN 5K INAUGURAL EDITION
Welcome to the first-ever Polka Run 5K! This unforgettable race is proudly part of the Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival, taking place July 1012 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.
The polka is a lively, joyful traditional dance known for its fast tempo and playful spins the moment the music starts, your feet cant help but twirl in circles! So what better place to celebrate the polka spirit than with the stunning Chicago skyline as your backdrop?
WHAT TO EXPECT!?
If you love to dance, come polka your way through the course. If youd rather run then run! Whether you take polka steps or running strides, enjoy the breathtaking views along Lake Shore Drive and the shores of Lake Michigan, cheered on by an amazing crowd. Wear the vibrant colors of the Lithuanian flag yellow, green, and red and turn the 5K into a moving celebration of culture and community, like autumn leaves dancing along the path!
Walkers are warmly welcome too! This is a limited-capacity event, so register soon and secure your spot to experience the run, the music, the energy, and the unforgettable Lithuanian vibe.
Join us for a celebration of movement, culture, and community see you at the starting line!
Every runner and walker gets a distinctive, custom finisher medal a memorable piece youll be excited to wear and show off!
PACKET PICK-UP & REGISTRATION
Packet pick-up & Race day Registration will be available.
NOTE: Race day registration will be available unless the race is sold out.
FRIDAY 3PM-6PM
McCormick Place, 330 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL
SATURDAY 10AM-2PM
McCormick Place, 330 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL
SUNDAY (RACE DAY) 6:00AM-6:30AM
Near start line
POST-RACE
Finish strong, then treat yourself! Take a moment to cool down and jump right into Lake Michigan.
The beach is just across from the finish line your post-race swim awaits!
RESULTS
Polka Run 5K is an officially timed event!
OVERALL AWARDS
Top 3 Males & Top 3 Females (Gun time)
Welcome to the first-ever Polka Run 5K! This unforgettable race is proudly part of the Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival, taking place July 1012 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.
The polka is a lively, joyful traditional dance known for its fast tempo and playful spins the moment the music starts, your feet cant help but twirl in circles! So what better place to celebrate the polka spirit than with the stunning Chicago skyline as your backdrop?
WHAT TO EXPECT!?
If you love to dance, come polka your way through the course. If youd rather run then run! Whether you take polka steps or running strides, enjoy the breathtaking views along Lake Shore Drive and the shores of Lake Michigan, cheered on by an amazing crowd. Wear the vibrant colors of the Lithuanian flag yellow, green, and red and turn the 5K into a moving celebration of culture and community, like autumn leaves dancing along the path!
Walkers are warmly welcome too! This is a limited-capacity event, so register soon and secure your spot to experience the run, the music, the energy, and the unforgettable Lithuanian vibe.
Join us for a celebration of movement, culture, and community see you at the starting line!
Every runner and walker gets a distinctive, custom finisher medal a memorable piece youll be excited to wear and show off!
PACKET PICK-UP & REGISTRATION
Packet pick-up & Race day Registration will be available.
NOTE: Race day registration will be available unless the race is sold out.
FRIDAY 3PM-6PM
McCormick Place, 330 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL
SATURDAY 10AM-2PM
McCormick Place, 330 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL
SUNDAY (RACE DAY) 6:00AM-6:30AM
Near start line
POST-RACE
Finish strong, then treat yourself! Take a moment to cool down and jump right into Lake Michigan.
The beach is just across from the finish line your post-race swim awaits!
RESULTS
Polka Run 5K is an officially timed event!
OVERALL AWARDS
Top 3 Males & Top 3 Females (Gun time)
Races
-
Polka Run 5K
Incl. $3.40 Fee
Sun 12th July 2026 (7:00AM CDT)
$43.40
Reviews
Doing this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event. You'll be able to review this event once it's taken place.
Location
Margaret T. Burroughs Beach And Park, Chicago, 60616, IL, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Be the first
No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?
Polka Run 5K
