RUN LIKE A CHAMPION
The Bob Blazier Run For The Arts is a fun, family friendly way to be active and support the community. Winding through the beautiful residential streets of Crystal Lake, the 5K Run and the 1Mile Run/Walk both move through a flat, easy to navigate course. While some register for a fun, carefree, and easygoing way to experience the spirit and goodwill of the community, others run the 5K with a more competitive spirit. Whether competing against others or simply trying to outpace their own personal bests, experienced runners put themselves to the test every year in the Blazier Run. Medals are given out to the fastest times in each 5K age group, and the overall male and female runners with the fastest time take home gift certificates to Running Depot as well as coveted Bob-Bobblehead trophies.
This year 1 Mile participants can also opt in for "Rosemary's Muffin Mile." This add on comes at no extra cost and will require participants to eat a muffin at the starting block, run the mile, and eat another muffin before crossing the finish line. The fastest 1 mile time will win a prize courtesy of Black Market Bakery.
| Event Pricing* | Thru April 9 | April 10 - May 2 | May 3 - Event Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K Run/Walk | $35.00 | $40.00 | $45.00 |
| 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk | $25.00 | $30.00 | $30.00 |
*all registrations subject to online registration fee.
Having trouble registering online? - please call (815) 356-9010 x114 to register or sign up on site on May 3rd.
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
5K Run/Walk
Price changes in 5 days 11 hours-
-
Register for 5K Run/Walk$39.44
Early Bird Pricing
Now registering Jan 14 – Apr 9 -
$44.79Apr 10 – Apr 28
-
$50.14Apr 29 – May 2
-
1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Price changes in 5 days 11 hours-
-
Register for 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk$28.74
Early Bird Pricing
Now registering Jan 14 – Apr 9 -
$34.09Apr 10 – Apr 28
-
$34.09Apr 29 – May 2
-
Event Details: The 29th Annual Bob Blazier Run For The Arts
KEEP THE BLAZIER SPIRIT THRIVING
Through the "Blazier Run" we aim to build community, just like Bob. For nearly 7 decades he exemplified what it means to put service above self, working tirelessly to improve the educational, healthcare, and business sectors of Crystal Lake.
HOW IT STARTED
Thirty years ago, a 5K charity event was born to honor Bob Blazier’s unparalleled community accomplishments. At the time, Bob was working tirelessly with a handful of community organizers to reinvigorate downtown Crystal Lake by renovating, reconstructing, and raising the curtain on a new performing arts center. Recognizing the important future role that Raue Center would play for the community, Bob asked that this new 5K race benefit the historic non-profit theater.
AN ENDURING LEGACY - SUPPORT THE ARTS
Register now and join us for the 29th annual Bob Blazier Run For The Arts. Help keep Bob's name and legacy thriving in 2026 and beyond. Lace them up and run/walk/make a difference for the arts and your community,
Register early! Race shirts are guaranteed to those who register before April 10th! If registering after April 9th, shirts will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. If you aren't participating in the 5K or 1 Mile events but will be joining us on event day, you can purchase a shirt for $20 through April 9th or after while supplies last.
One Mile participants can run "Rosemary's Muffin Mile" at no extra charge! Those who wish to add a little excitement to their one mile run/walk experience can opt in for Rosemary's Muffin Mile - eat two muffins and cross the finish line first to win a prize from Black Market Bakery!
PRE RACE PACKET PICKUP Packet pickup for the Bob Blazier Run is taking place at:
Raue Center for the Arts
26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, IL
Friday May 1st 12-4pm
Saturday May 2nd 12-4pm
Team Challenge Participants – To help us mitigate the crowd, please pick up your team packets on Friday May 1st. The team captain is responsible for picking up all team member packets.
Event Day Schedule (Race start times subject to change if health/safety needs arise):
7:00 AM on site registration begins
8:00 AM Bob Blazier Run For The Arts 5K Run/Walk Shotgun start
8:10 AM Rosie's 1 mile Shotgun Start
8:45 AM Kids 50 Yard Dash (if enough particpants)
9:00 AM Awards Ceremony Onstage under the Raue Center Marquee
Donate in Bob's name on the Raue Center website: For those interested in making a donation to Raue Center during The Bob Blazier Run, please VISIT THE RAUE CENTER WEBSITE BY CLICKING HERE. Don't worry, the donation page will open in a new tab so you won't lose your place here!
Gather your friends, family and co-workers and participate in the TEAM CHALLENGE!! A great shared experience for all involved. Take a shot at bringing a coveted "Bob Bobblehead" back to the office, church, or home that your team represents. Before registering, establish a Team Name. Make sure all team members know the Team Name so they can join the team when they register themselves - All team members must pre-register to participate in the Team Challenge.
Trophies to the top team in the following categories:
• Greatest Overall - The team with the greatest number of participants
• Most Money Raised - The team that raises the most money, this includes additional donations made at the time of registration, donations submitted by non-participants on this site and funds turned in on event day
• Best Average Team Time - The team with the fastest overall average 5K race time
• A Category TBD
Top donors
| No. | Name | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Krista Orlandino | $27.48 |
| 2 | Roger Thompson | $27.48 |
| 3 | Megan Fox | $11.50 |
Top teams
| 1 |
|
Small TownRaised:$107.35 |
Event schedule
- Fri, May 1, 2026 12:00 PM - Pre Race Day Packet Pick Up 12P-4P at Raue Center
- Sat, May 2, 2026 12:00 PM - Pre Race Day Packet Pick Up 12P-4P at Raue Center
- Sun, May 3, 2026 7:00 AM - Race Day Registration and Packet Pick Up
- Sun, May 3, 2026 8:00 AM - 5K Race Start
- Sun, May 3, 2026 8:10 AM - 1 Mile Race Start
- Sun, May 3, 2026 8:45 AM - Kids 50 Yard Dash (subject to # of participants)
Contact information
- Event contact
- James Knight
- Phone
- 815-356-9010 x114
- Website
- Visit website
