Following the COVID-required cancellation of last year’s Ridge Run, the Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) is thrilled to host our 43rd running of the races on Labor Day weekend. On Sat., Sept. 4, runners of all ages, paces and distances will compete to win, race to place in age categories ranging from 6 to 80 or simply run or walk beat their personal best times.
And we’ll all be happy to be together again at one of our community’s favorite events.
Although it’s a big change to shift from spring to fall this year, the Ridge Run offers the full schedule of races:10K run, 5K run and walk, 10K + 5K Challenge, and Youth Mile. Cheering spectators line the route, offering encouragement, water and energy to the runners. Races start and finish at Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr.
Patrick Elwood, a familiar face on WGN News, will serve as the Ridge Run race announcer at the start/finish line. A South Side neighbor, Elwood joined WGN-TV in 2013. His career highlights include covering the White Sox World Series, two Blackhawks Championships, the Bears Super Bowl and the Oklahoma City Bombing, for which he earned a Peabody Award. Elwood counts his work raising funds for and awareness of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation among his most important accomplishments.
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 with general health information.
Registration Schedule
Ridge Run registration continues through race day morning for participants.
Register by Aug. 2 to guarantee getting your Ridge Run t-shirt.
Online registration closes at midnight, Aug. 29 at www.bapa.org.
In-person advance sign-up and packet pick up will be held Tues., Aug. 31 and Wed., Sept. 1, 12 to7 p.m., and Thurs., Sept. 2, 12 to 5 p.m. at Running Excels, 10328 S. Western, and Fri., Sept. 3, 12 to 5 p.m. at Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr.
Race Day packet pick-up and registration is Sat., Sept. 4, 6:30 to 9 a.m. at Ridge Park. 10K and Youth Mile registration closes at 7:30 a.m., and 5K registration closes at 9 a.m. Fees increase for race-day registration.
Spectators are encouraged to carry-on the tradition of cheering on runners and walkers, and playing music all along the routes.
Team Up!
Several teams have already signed up for the Ridge Run, and there’s still time to sign up a team of your colleagues, club members or family and friends. Find easy team sign-up online at bapa.org.
Teams that want to raise funds for their charity are invited to a Ridge Run Team fundraising party Thurs., Aug. 12, 6 to 9 p.m. at Cork & Kerry, 10614 S. Western. $25 admission with a portion of the proceeds going to your team’s charity.
Race Day Activities at the Park
There’s always a flurry of activity at Ridge Park on race day, and BAPA has made sure there’s plenty for both runners and spectators.
F45 Training will hold runner warm-ups for the 10K and 5K runs.
Core Fitness and Physical Therapy will offer stretching for runners.
Live and Believe (LAB) Nutrition will be selling healthy beverages.
The Rainbow Truck will be selling Original Rainbow Cone ice cream.
The Calabria food truck will sell sandwiches and sides.
Home Run Inn pizza slices and beer will be available for purchase.
BAPA’s Tot Trot for little runners will be held at 10:15 a.m.
Beverly Arts Center will take over the Kid Zone, offering a variety of fun and creative activities.
Beverly Records DJ Jon Dreznes will spin tunes during the races.
WHSE radio will play music in the park.
Volunteers are needed to help with the Ridge Run, and a variety of dates and tasks are available. Sign up at www.bapa.org on the Ridge Run page or call 773-233-3100 for more information.
In 2022, the BAPA Ridge Run and Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony will be held on Memorial Day.
Ridge Run Sponsors
Thank you to all of the Ridge Run sponsors without whose support BAPA could not present this event: OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center, Mike Haggerty Buick-GMC, Blue Door Neighborhood Center, Always Ready Repair Heating & Cooling, County Fair, Rogers Roofing, Keir Foot & Ankle Specialists, F45 Training, CIBC Bank, Beverly Hills Animal Hospital, Southtown Health Foods, Smith Village, 19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea, Core Fitness, LAB Nutrition, Beverly Arts Center, Original Rainbow Cone, The Beverly Review, Running Excels, Meijer, Beverly Records, Calabria Imports, Chicago Park District, WHSE radio and Trace Ambulance.
For more information about the Ridge Run or Memorial Day Parade, contact the Beverly Area Planning Association, 773-233-3100, bapa@bapa.org or www.bapa.org.
