Your 2018 Ridge Run/Memorial Day Parade Survival Guide

CHICAGO, IL — The fallen heroes of the United States of America will be honored in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood with what has become one of the best celebrations of the year. Memorial Day along Longwood Drive is an unofficial kickoff to summer with the Ridge Run races, followed by the Memorial Day Parade that keeps people out-and-about in the area until the early afternoon.

Whether you are running in one of the races, have an entry in the parade or plan to come out to watch all the action in front of your beautiful home, here's what to know about the big day and how to prepare.

Weather Forecast

High 92, low 71. An hour-by-hour forecast as of Sunday shows a predicted 79 degrees at the start of the Ridge Run 10K. It could get up to the high 80s by the end of the 5K and into the 90s during the parade. Stay hydrated and be safe.

Ridge Run

The Ridge Run is the oldest 10K event in the city of Chicago, marking its 41st year in 2018. Its origination came the same year as the first Chicago Marathon and one year before the birth of the South Side Irish Parade.

The Course

The Ridge Run 10K starts and ends at Ridge Park, covering much of Longwood Drive as far south as 110th Street, heading as far west as Oakley Avenue and continuing on a good chunk of Hoyne and Seeley avenues. The 5K wraps around Longwood and Seeley with turns at 108th Place and 103rd Street. See a map of the routes and where water stations will be here.

Both races include many steep grades of the Blue Island Ridge, the highest hill in the city of Chicago.

Race Schedule

• 6:30 a.m. Registration opens on the first floor of the Ridge Park Field House
• 7:30 a.m. 10K and Youth Mile registration closes
• 8 a.m. 10K Race Start
• 8:10 a.m. Youth Mile Start
• 9 a.m. 5K registration closes
• 9:30 a.m. 5K Race Start

Race Options

The Ridge Run Challenge: 10K and 5K - $60
10K run - $40
5K run - $35
5K untimed walk - $30
Youth Mile - $20

Active members of the military can sign up for either race for $15.

Participants will receive T-shirts, cooling towels, finisher medals and goody bags.

Training

Training for the Ridge Run has become a group effort for some. Running groups have met frequently on Thursday nights at Running Excels. Also, a "3 mile challenge" at Treadfit Beverly was held on May 19 for many looking to get their bodies ready for the neighborhood's biggest yearly race.

Volunteers

Volunteers are sought to work at the registration tables, water stations and serve as course marshals for the Ridge Run. For information, email BAPA or download their volunteer guide. Volunteers get a great view of the racing action and a 'Love Where You Live' volunteer t-shirt. Sign up to volunteer here by selecting the volunteer option.

Spectators

On race day, spectators are encouraged to line the race route to cheer on participants as they run through the center of the residential Ridge Historic District.

Registration

Online registration will remain open until 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23. Race-day registration, which is an additional $5, will be available at 6:30 a.m. at the Ridge Park Field House. Register for the Ridge Run here.

Registration will also be available at packet pickup.

Packet Pickup

Running Excels, 10328 S. Western Ave.: Thursday, May 24 from noon-7 p.m.; Friday, May 24 from noon-7 p.m. or Saturday, May 26 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr.: Sunday, May 27 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Registration will be available at all packet pickup events.

Results

Results will be posted online after the event by the Beverly Area Planning Association and Chicago Area Runners Association. Printed results will be available shortly after runners finish the race at Ridge Park.

After The Race

A post-race festival at Ridge Park includes a Kids’ Zone with a jump house, petting zoo and Tot Trot. Runner awards will be given out as food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Sponsors

• Little Company of Mary Hospital - Presenting Sponsor
• Mike Haggerty Buick GMC Volkswagen of Oak Lawn
• Beverly Bank
• Road Home Program
• Southtown Health Foods
• CIBC
• County Fair
• Marquette Bank
• 19th Ward Youth Foundation
• State Rep. Fran Hurley
• State Sen. Bill Cunningham
• Chicago Park District
• McCready Law
• 670 Score Sports Radio
• State Farm Agent John Harrell
• TreadFit Beverly
• Chicago Recovery Room
• Calabria Imports
• Running Excels
• The Beverly Review
• 100.3SheChicago
• Trace Ambulance
• Marathon Sportswear
• Beverly Records
• Barraco’s
• Cork & Kerry
• Haribo
• Original Rainbow Cone

Donations

In conjunction with the Ridge Run, donations from the races will be made to Special Olympics Chicago/Mount Greenwood Park and to the Ridge Park Advisory Council for the restoration of the Ridge Park Field House.

Memorial Day Parade

Ceremony

A ceremony honoring the Gold Star Mothers will begin at 9 a.m. in Ridge Park. The ceremony will feature taps, a color guard, the laying of the wreath and a short program.

The Route

Beginning around 10 a.m., the 2018 Memorial Day Parade will kickoff at 110th Street and Longwood Drive in Morgan Park and head north on Longwood, winding down at Ridge Park.

Grand Marshal

Parade Grand Marshals are members of the American Gold Star Mothers, a national group of mothers whose children lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. All area Gold Star Mothers are welcome to join in as Grand Marshals of the parade. A trolley will be provided for them. Their presence in the parade is a reminder that Memorial Day is a solemn holiday about honoring Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for freedom.

Sponsor

The Road Home Program at Rush University Medical Center returns as the Memorial Day Parade Presenting Sponsor.

Parade Lineup

The full parade lineup can be found here. It includes local schools, organizations, bands and the always popular Jesse White Tumblers.

After The Parade

A family festival will extend into the afternoon at Ridge Park after the parade. Enjoy time with your family and love where you live.

Top photos: Tim Moran, Patch / BAPA