May 17, 2026
An open invitation to all elementary and middle school students in Chicago, the program’s goal is to offer every child an opportunity to run their first half marathon (13.1 miles) and, in doing so, promote a fit and healthy lifestyle while teaching children to create and fulfill goals.
Participating Chicago schools and community youth organizations begin training in March 2026 and will complete the Final Mile of their half marathon program on Sunday, May 17, 2026. All participating kids will receive their own hard-earned medal upon crossing the Finish Line in the heart of the city, alongside many half marathon and 5K participants.
Powered by the Life Time Foundation, this program reflects our commitment to helping kids build lifelong healthy habits, confidence, and a love for being active from an early age.
Schools and organizations interested in joining the 2026 program may complete the application form at the bottom of this page.
Kids Run Chicago Overview
Complimentary to Chicago schools and youth organizations, the Life Time Kids Run Chicago program aims to help reduce the health risks and conditions that kids face today by promoting physical education and an active lifestyle through running, and it is our goal to involve as many children as possible from start to finish.
Participating coaches are to encourage students to run 12.1 miles over 8 weeks from March through May, culminating at the Life Time Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 5K (May 17, 2026) with the Final Mile event where all participants will earn their own medal!
The Final Mile
On May 17, 2026 scheduled buses will pick up the youth participants from their school/central location and be dropped off at the Final Mile start line. At 11:00 AM, the race will begin. Imagine hundreds of students wearing their Life Time Kids Run Chicago t-shirts and race numbers lined up at their very own start line with smiles on their faces as they get ready to run the Final Mile of their half marathon. Once each student crosses the finish line, they will be able to show off their finisher medals to the world!
Program Overview
Youth participants begin the program running one mile a week and gradually increase their running regimen over time with the opportunity to run together in a safe setting on the same course used by thousands of half marathon and 5K participants.
The Training Phase
Teachers and staff from participating schools and organizations include a run as part of physical education class periods (or before/after school programs) per week and are asked to document progress from each youth participant and submit once they reach 12.1 miles.
By running multiple times per week, kids will complete the required mileage amounting to the 12.1 miles in 8 weeks, with the Final Mile taking place at the Life Time Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 5K.
Program Resources
The Kids Run Chicago program will provide the following to all participating schools and organizations:
- Training Calendar
- Running Log
- Nutrition Resources (coming soon)
Weekly Instructions
Participation of each youth participant is encouraged Monday through Friday:
- Provide opportunity to complete the weekly mileage (suggested four days a week)
- Take attendance on provided running logs
- Motivate kids to run on their own at home
- Incorporate additional health and fitness tips to complement the program
Benefits of Involvement
Participating schools and organizations are given the opportunity to be recognized for their desire to help promote a worthwhile cause — fitness and physical education. Media exposure for the program and the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5K reaches the entire Chicagoland area.
There is a minimal level of commitment needed from the schools/organizations to make this program a success. During the program, some sites may be asked to host pep rallies and other events to recognize those that are participating.
Program Goals
Life Time Athletic Events created the program with emphasis on helping students stay healthy and feel confident when accomplishing challenging goals. Recent studies show a distinct positive correlation between grades and physical activity. They may have more in common with each other than we may realize. Influencing the physical and mental health of young people in a positive direction is a step toward reshaping the future. The opportunity to help shape our leaders of tomorrow can make a world of change.
Course Map
Course map coming soon.
Schedule
The Life Time Kids Run Chicago will take place at 11:00 AM on Race Day (May 17, 2026). Please review the course map for exact location and route.
Program Application
If you are interested in having your school or community youth organization involved in this free, county-wide program, please submit the application form below. A member of our team will be in touch shortly after receiving the submission.
Chicago Spring Kids Run, Powered by Life Time Foundation
At Life Time Foundation, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover what they’re capable of. That’s why we’re proud to support a program designed to help young minds build healthy habits, set goals, and experience the joy of crossing a finish line they earned.
Over the program course of 8 weeks, students will gain more than just endurance—they’ll build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong connection to an active lifestyle.
This work is rooted in our mission to empower Healthy People, a Healthy Planet, and a Healthy Way of Life. By expanding access to movement opportunities, we’re helping ensure the next generation grows up strong, supported, and inspired to keep moving forward.
Because every child deserves their own finish line moment.