10 races to run in Chicago this summer

The clock is already ticking!

Nice weather in the Chicago area is in seriously short supply, and the spring and summer racing season is already underway.

Don’t know which 5K to run this summer? Looking for a little more of a challenge?

We’ve rounded up ten of the best options to ensure you take advantage of the weather and get a little exercise before we’re all shoveling out our cars again.

• Chicago’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K/10K

May 10 at Butler Field in Grant Park

As the signature fundraising event for the breast cancer research charity Susan G. Komen, the majority of proceeds from this race go towards breast cancer screening, treatment and education in the Chicago area.

• Universal Sole 4 Mile Classic

May 14 at 601 W. Montrose Ave.

This four-mile race along the lakefront path ends with a festival sponsored by Goose Island.

• Soldier Field 10 Miler

May 23 at Soldier Field

Run a 10-mile course along a traffic-free Lake Shore Drive, and finish on the 50 yard line in the home stadium of the Bears.

• The Color Run

June 7 at Grant Park

This un-timed 5K is more about the communal fun and less about the race. Come to the race dressed all in white and prepared to leave splashed with colored paint.

• PAWS Chicago Run For Their Lives

June 14 at Montrose Harbor

Run a timed 8K or walk with your pet in a 4K that benefits PAWS Chicago’s animal rescue efforts.

• The Chardonnay Run

June 27 in Grant Park

Unwind after this 5K along the lakefront with wine and cheese at the after-race event.

• Chicago Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon, 10K and 5K

July 18-19 at TBD

Choose the distance that is right for you, and then run by live rock bands and entertainment stationed at every mile. Singer/songwriter Andy Grammer headlines the concert at the after-race party.

• Rock the Night 5K

July 30th at Soldier Field

This lakefront 5K features an after-race party with cover bands from the 60s through today.

• The Magnificent Mile Women’s Half Marathon and 5K

Sept. 6 at Grant Park

These two women-only races run up Michigan Avenue, with the half-marathon extending down Lake Shore Drive.

• Fleet Feet Chicago’s Historic Fun Run Series

Each of these six runs go through a historic neighborhood or park. Each of the runs, which are free, are about 4 miles long and have about a dozen stopping points to discuss the area’s history.