2025 AACR Runners for Research 5K Run/Walk

Join us on April 26, 2025

Thank you for running with the AACR!

PHOTOS FROM EVENT

©2025 American Association of Cancer Research/Todd Buchanan Photography

Party Movers Chicago VIDEO CLIP 1

Party Movers Chicago ClIP 2

Race Results

Thank you on behalf of the American Association for Cancer Research. We are grateful that you participated in the 2025 AACR Runners for Research 5K Run/Walk! It is your support that propels us toward finding cures for over 200 types of cancer. 

Whether you're a walker or a runner, team up with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) to advance lifesaving cancer research during AACR Annual Meeting 2025.

Members of the AACR Runners for Research team participate in races around the country to support the AACR and our more than 58,000 members who lead the effort to prevent and cure cancer.

In 2025, our signature Runners for Research 5K Run/Walk will be held in Chicago, IL as cancer scientists, survivors, advocates, and others gather April 25-30 for the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 to discuss the latest developments in the fight against cancer. This 5K run/walk during Annual Meeting is a wonderful opportunity to bring together AACR members with the local Chicago community in an effort to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

We invite individuals and companies to join us for this event to unite for a cause and support healthy active lifestyles. Proceeds raised from the AACR Runners for Research 5K Run/Walk will go toward advancing research progress for the millions affected by cancer worldwide.

Runners for Research 5K details are as followed:

• Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025, 7:30 a.m. CST (Rain or Shine!) - Weather Policy

• Start/Finish: Chicago Firefighters and Paramedic Memorial (located southeast of McCormick Place Lakeside Center, adjacent to the Lakefront Trail) Chicago, IL 60616. 

• 2301 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, Il 60616 

• Location on Google Maps  

• Parking Information: Paid parking available at McCormick Place 

  Parking Rates & Options - McCormick Place

• Hotel Shuttle Schedule

• Registration will close at 6:30pm on April 25 & reopen for onsite sign-up only race morning from 6:30am - 7:15am

• Registration Costs: 

  Cancer Survivors: FREE

  AACR Members: $40

  Out of Town Visitors & Annual Meeting Attendees (Nonmembers): $50

  Illinois Residents: $35

  Running Club Members: $35

  AARP Members: $20

  Golden Gliders (62+): $20

  Age 17 & Under: FREE

Bib and Shirt Pick-Up:

• Friday, April 25th from 12:00pm-6:30pm at Lakeside Center, East Building at McCormick Place Convention Center at Concierge Desk outside E354 A - 2301 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616 

• OR at 5K location before the run begins on April 26th, 6:15am-7:15am

• Register by April 1st to guarantee receipt of running shirt

COURSE MAP

Find out more information about our supporter opportunities

Check out our event  FLYER and feel free to share with your network!

Not a walker or a runner? Volunteer! We will need your help in all aspects of the race. Join the AACR Volunteer team! Volunteer Sign Up

Gear Check

• Gear check will be available at race location. The gear check area may not be covered. Please bring a waterproof bag in case of inclement weather.

Event Day Schedule​​

• 6:15 a.m. - Venue open
• 7:20 a.m. - Deadline to report to Start Wave
• 7:30 a.m. - Start

Prohibited Items for Participants: 

• Pets (Unless service animal)
• Bicycles
• In-line skates
• Roller skates
• Scooters
• Strollers & Baby Joggers
• Other wheeled items
• Wheelchairs or hand cranks by participants with disabilities are permitted. Please contact ashley.fry@aacr.org

Running Awards

• Award will be provided to the top three overall runners in the male, female, and non-binary categories.
• Award will be provided to the top three male and female in age-groups: 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Over. 

Fundraising & Team Awards

• Top fundraising individual
• Top fundraising team
• Largest team
• Best team spirit

*Special prizes for fundraisers who raise $500+

Refund Policy

Participants must agree that refunds and deferrals will NOT be issued for any reason, including participant injury, illness, personal conflict, and any other issues out of the control of the event, including, but not limited to cancellation due to weather/lightning.

Event Capacity / Finish Cut-Off​

• Participants must finish within two (2) hours and thirty (30) minutes after the last on-time start (no late starts).
• 800 participants max (registration will close when this number is reached)

Race Results

• Race Time Inc. will provide chip timing used for race results & running awards
• There will be live results during race with QR code on bibs for participants
• Direct link to online race results will be posted online after the race on this website