Start Planning For BAPA's 2023 Ridge Run On Memorial Day

CHICAGO — Time to start planning for the the Beverly Area Planning Association’s Ridge Run next month. Runners of all ages, paces and distrances are invited to participate in the 44th annual run on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29.

Long considered Chicago’s favorite neighborhood race, the Ridge Run takes participants through the Ridge Historic District to run the 10K, 5K run and walk and Youth Mile run routes. Cheering spectators line the route, offering encouragement, water and energy to the runners. Races start and finish at Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago.

The Ridge Run invites area groups, clubs, families, and friends to form Ridge Run Teams and take advantage of a race fee discount as well as race day perks. Runners can compete for overall wins or simply race to place in age categories ranging from 6 to 80 or beat their personal best time.

The Memorial Day Ceremony honoring the men and women in the U.S. armed forces who have given their lives in service to our country, will be held at 9 a.m. at Ridge Park. The ceremony includes the laying of the wreath, taps and a solemn remembrance of the true meaning of Memorial Day.

The 10K race starts at 8 a.m., followed by the Youth Mile at 8:15 a.m. The 5K run/walk gets going at 9:30 a.m., culminating with the Tot Trot at 10:15 a.m., May 29.

The running events are followed by the Beverly Hills/Morgan Park/Mount Greenwood Memorial Day Parade, starting at 110th Place and traveling north down Longwood Drive to join the Ridge Run post-race festival at Ridge Park. Run and parade spectators and participants are invited to enjoy food, beverages, information from event sponsors, and the popular Tot Trot will take place around 10:15 a.m.

The presenting sponsor of the Ridge Run is OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Centers, which generously provides the day’s health necessities including the Ridge Run doctor and First Aid tent, as well as general health information.

Ridge Run Registration  

Ridge Run registration continues until race day for participants signing up for the 10K run, 5K run or untimed walk, Ridge Run Challenge 5K and 10K, and, for kids up to age 12, the untimed Youth Mile. Sign up online until midnight on May 25 at BAPA: in-person advance sign-up and packet pick up continues May 25 to May 28; race day registration opens at Ridge Park Mon., May 29 at 6:30 a.m.

Advance registration fees are 5K, $40; 10K, $50; 5K and 10K Ridge Run Challenge, $80; 5K walk (untimed), $25; and Youth Mile, $20. Race day registration fees go up by $5 for all races. The fee for active military personnel is $15. Call 773-233-3100 for more information.

Ridge Run Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to help with the Ridge Run and Memorial Day Parade, and a variety of dates and tasks are available. Sign up at online or call 773-233-3100 for more information.