Chicago Federation of Labor
May Day 5K Run and Walk 2026
"Chicago's Union-Powered 5K"
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Race start: 8:00 AM
Race Day packet pick-up: 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM
Pre Race Packet Pick Up available Friday, April 24, at ONE TWO PRU, 180 N Stetson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601
Race Site:
Chicago Firefighters and Paramedic Memorial Park
adjacent to Lakeside Center at McCormick Place.
2301 S. Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Join the Chicago Federation of Labor for the fourth May Day 5K Run and Walk on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Individuals of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to participate in this family-friendly event to commemorate May Day and its importance to the Chicago Labor Movement. The race will begin at the Chicago Firefighters and Paramedic Memorial Park on the Lakefront Trail near the Lakeside Center at McCormick Place at 8:00 a.m. and continue up the trail through the Museum Campus. The course features a segment on Solidarity Drive and beautiful views of Chicago’s Downtown skyline.
Commemorative moisture-wicking race t-shirts will be provided to all runners and walkers, and medals will be awarded to winners in age-group categories. All participants will also receive a complimentary beverage at the post-race party and awards ceremony following the race. Free parking validation at McCormick Place Lot C is available for all registrants. The "Solidarity Spirit" award will once again be awarded to the team with the most registered participants at the race.
The May Day 5k Run and Walk is UNION STRONG: Our finisher medals, overall awards, and t-shirts are Made in the USA and Union printed. Our tents, tables, chairs and food are all provided by union vendors.
Race Day packet pick-up will begin at 7:00 a.m. near the starting line. Pre-race packet pick-up will be available on Friday, April 25 at ONETWOPRU (180 N Stetson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601). Gear check will be available for participants at registration beginning at 7:00 a.m. and remain open until 9:30 a.m. All participants must complete the course by 9:30 a.m. to receive an official race time.
PLEASE NOTE: T-SHIRT SIZE NOT GUARANTEED AFTER APRIL 3 DUE TO PRINTING DEADLINES.
Proceeds from the event:
Funds raised from this event will benefit the CFL’s ongoing efforts to support workers in Chicago and Cook County.
2026 Sponsors
Podium Sponsors
NALC Branch 11
USW Local 17 Decorators Union
Finisher Sponsors
Chicago Teachers Union
SAG-AFTRA Chicago
SEIU HCII
Starting Line Sponsors
DePaul Labor Education Center
Heat and Frost Insulators Local 17
IBEW Local 9
IBEW Local 134
LiUNA! Laborers’ Local One
LiUNA! Local 1092
SMART Local 73
VISIT THE 2025 PHOTO GALLERY HERE
WATCH THE 2025 RACE RECAP VIDEO
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
5K Run/Walk
Price changes in 1 day 8 hours-
-
$30.59
Special 2026 Pricing
Dec 22 – Dec 31 -
$40.49
Super Early Bird Pricing
Jan 1 – Jan 19 -
$45.99
Early Bird Pricing
Jan 20 – Mar 15 -
Register for 5K Run/Walk$45.99
Extended Early Bird
Now registering Mar 16 – Mar 22 -
$56.99
Standard
Mar 23 – Apr 26
-
Kid's 5k Run and Walk (12 years old and younger)
Price changes in 1 day 8 hours-
Discounted registration rate for children. All participants in this category will receive a participant t-shirt in child sizes and medal
-
$23.99
Special 2026 Pricing
Dec 22 – Dec 31 -
$29.49
Super Early Bird Pricing
Jan 1 – Jan 19 -
$34.99
Early Bird Pricing
Jan 20 – Mar 15 -
Register for Kid's 5k Run and Walk (12 years old and younger)$34.99
Extended Early Bird
Now registering Mar 16 – Mar 22 -
$40.49
Standard
Mar 23 – Apr 26
-
Race begins at 8:00 a.m. sharp.
Race Day Packet Pick Up opens at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 7:45 a.m.
Pre-race Packet Pick Up will be available on Friday, April 24 at ONETWOPRU (180 N Stetson Ave, Chicago, IL 60601), schedule to be announced.
Trophies will be awarded to the top 3 overall finishers in Male, Female and Non-Binary Categories. The top 3 Male and Female finishers in the following age group categories will also receive medals:
- Age 13 - 17
- Age 18 - 29
- Age 30 - 39
- Age 40 - 49
- Age 50 - 59
- Age 60 +
Note: All registered participants aged 12 years old and younger will receive a Finishers' medal!
All Adult participants will receive a running technical t-shirt in their size of choice. Child participants aged 12 years old and younger will receive a cotton youth-shirt. All shirts are Made in the USA and Union-printed.
All participants will receive free parking validation at McCormick Place Parking Lot C at the Lakeside Center, adjacent to the race starting line. More parking information will be sent to registrants closer to the race.
Race Route:
Click here to preview the 2026 5K course - starting and finishing at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center! (Final course subject to change)
Do you represent an organization interested in sponsoring the May Day 5k? Sponsorship opportunities are available!Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.
Please contact Gus Fuguitt at gfuguitt@chicagolabor.org for more information on how to sponsor the May Day 5k Run and Walk.
Back by popular demand in 2026, participants can register to run as a team at this year's May Day 5k Run and Walk. Simply create your team during registration, or select from an existing team option. You can also join a team or switch to another team after you register. A team can be comprised anyone: union membership, co-workers, family or friends and more!
The team with the most registered participants will earn the "Solidarity Spirit" award at the post-race party and award ceremony!
If you have questions about team or group registration, reach out to Gus Fuguitt at gfuguitt@chicagolabor.org.
The CFL is seeking volunteer assistance for the May Day 5k Run and Walk 2026! Without the generosity of volunteers, this event would not be possible.
All May Day 5k volunteers will receive a commemorative t-shirt and 2 (two) complimentary beverage tickets for the post-race after party at Boat Drinks.
Sign up here to volunteer for the 2026 May Day 5k Run and Walk. If you have any questions, please reach out to Andrea Chaudron at achaudron@chicagolabor.org.
The Chicago Federation of Labor is the umbrella organization for Chicago and Cook County’s labor unions. From airline pilots to zookeepers, the Chicago Federation of Labor’s 300 affiliated unions and their half a million members represent a diverse group of working women and men throughout the area.
Our strength as a labor movement comes from the unity and solidarity of our affiliated organizations and their members. Together we defend a middle class of hard-working women and men, pursue aggressive legislative and political strategies, and help working people remain a highly-skilled, sought-after workforce in a fast-moving economy.
Thanks to the leadership of our Executive Board and the commitment of our affiliated local unions, we are able to make a difference for working people in Chicago and throughout Cook County.
Event schedule
- Sun, April 26, 2026 7:00 AM - Registration and Packet Pick Up Opens
- Sun, April 26, 2026 8:00 AM - 5K Run/Walk Start
Contact information
- Event contact
- Andrea Chaudron, CFL Community Engagement Liaison
- Phone
- 312-906-2432
- Website
- Visit website
