The Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) invites runners of all ages, paces and distances to participate in the 44th Ridge Run on Memorial Day, Mon., May 29. 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 Ridge Run, long considered Chicago’s favorite neighborhood race, takes participants through the Ridge Historic District to run the 10K run, 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 Dr.
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 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 at about 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 with general health information. The hospital has been a vital health resource for the community for nearly 90 years and continues to achieve accolades for quality through its revolutionary medical technologies and services both at its home and satellite locations.
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.org: 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. Sign up at bapa.org on the Ridge Run page. 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 bapa.org on the Ridge Run page or call 773-233-3100 for more information.
