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October 12, 2024

FAQs

Event information

When is the 2021 Abbott Chicago 5K?
The 2021 Abbott Chicago 5K will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021.

I am injured and/or cannot run the event (family commitment, work obligation, etc.).

 

Can I get a refund or transfer my entry to someone else?
No. Per our official event rules: Sale and/or transfer of race entries/bib numbers is strictly prohibited.

 

How can I make a change to my registration information (i.e. misspelling, email, etc.)?
Email
office@chicago5K.com with “Change of Information” in the subject line or call the Abbott Chicago 5K office at 312.904.9810 and a member of our staff will assist you.

 

Where is the start and finish of the Abbott Chicago 5K?
The 2021 Abbott Chicago 5K start location, line is at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington Street.  The finish line is on Ida B. Wells Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.

 

Will I be able to check my gear race day?
No. Gear check will not be available to participants for the Abbott Chicago 5K. Runners are responsible for safely storing their gear prior to the race. Any items left unattended near the start and finish lines will be donated.

 

What’s the best way to get to the start and finish on race day?
Public transportation is highly recommended for race day transportation. Visit
transitchicago.com or metrarail.com to plan your route.

 

If I am driving to the start, where can I park my car?
If you drive, Millennium Garages will be open on race day. Grant Park South Garage is the most convenient parking, steps away from the start of the Abbott Chicago 5K.
Reserve your parking now.

 

Where can I see my results?
Race results will be posted online on the
Results page. Any questions regarding results should be sent via e-mail to office@chicago5K.com.


Bib number

Where and when is bib number pick-up?
U.S. residents that register by Wednesday, August 18, 2021, will have their bib number mailed to the address provided at the point of registration. Bib numbers will be mailed in September. If the participant registered after the bib mailing deadline or is an International resident (including Canada) they must pick up their bib number on Friday, October 8, at the Abbott Health & Fitness Expo from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Abbott Health & Fitness Expo is at the McCormick Place Convention Center (2301 S. Martin Luther King Dr.)

Bib numbers will not be available for pick up on race day.

 

I never received my bib number in the mail. What should I do?
Please contact the Abbott Chicago 5K office by phone at 312.904.9800 or by email at office@chicago5K.com with any questions regarding your bib number.


Course

Where can I find the Abbott Chicago 5K course map?
Visit the event information page for more information on the Abbott Chicago 5K course.

What streets will be affected by course closures on race day?
The morning of the event, the streets that comprise the Abbott Chicago 5K course, as well as the start/finish areas, will be closed to vehicular traffic. Street closure information will be available in advance of the 2021 event.

How many aid stations are on the course?
There is one on-course aid station at approximately the halfway point. The aid station will offer water, medical support and toilet facilities.

How long is the course open?
Participants have 45 minutes to complete the 5K distance, start line to finish line. At the 45 minute mark, the event is officially concluded and there will be no traffic protection or on-course support. Participants who finish outside of the time requirement may not be recorded as an official finisher.

Can I run with an iPod/headphones?
Yes. USA Track & Field amended the ban on headphones, iPods, etc., for general race participants. However, athletes competing for prize money may not use electronic devices such as headphones.

Music devices with headphones are permitted for use on the course; however, participants must be alert to their surroundings at all times and must pay attention to important announcements made at the start, finish and along the course.

What is NOT allowed on the course?
The use of wheeled devices by participants or any other person authorized to be on the course shall be strictly limited to an authorized and registered wheelchair, duo team participants and authorized course marshals on bicycles. Baby joggers, baby strollers, skateboards, rollerblades, unauthorized bicycles or any other wheeled devices are not permitted on the course.

The use of selfie-sticks, camera mounts, video devices, computers or any similar devices by anyone while participating in the event is prohibited.


Additional prohibited items on the course route include, but are not limited to: large bags (backpacks, suitcases and rolling bags), hard-sided coolers, props and non-running equipment, including flagpoles and sticks, pets/animals (except service animals that are trained to perform specific work or tasks for a person with a disability), alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, chairs, weapons, remote-controlled aircrafts and drones.


Please note, any items deemed to be dangerous or inappropriate will be confiscated at the sole discretion of security personnel.


Do you offer pace teams for the 5K race?
No. We do not offer pace teams.


Event Alert System (EAS)

What is the Event Alert System (EAS)?
The Event Alert System (EAS) is a color-coded system that communicates the status of course conditions to participants leading up to and on race day. The levels range from Low (green) to Moderate (yellow) to High (red) to Extreme (black) based on a variety of factors, including weather conditions.

If you have a question not covered in this section, please contact the Abbott Chicago 5K office at 312.904.9800, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time or email office@chicago5K.com.


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