Cantigny 5K Run and Walk at Cantigny Park

Looking for a meaningful way to spend a fall morning with family or friends? The Cantigny 5K Run and Walk at Cantigny Park invites runners and walkers of any age onto the grounds of Cantigny, the 500-acre former estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, while supporting the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton.

Just a short drive from downtown Naperville, the race is held at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd in Wheaton, and tours the grounds of Cantigny and Cantigny Golf. All proceeds go to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton.

A Fall Race a Short Drive from Naperville

If you’re searching for active, community-focused outings near home, the Cantigny 5K fits the bill. Cantigny’s own directions put the park just off I-88, three miles north on Winfield Road in Wheaton.

Whether you’re a regular on the Riverwalk or looking to try something new beyond Centennial Beach or Naper Settlement, this chip-timed 5K (with optional shorter kids’ runs) delivers fresh air, fall scenery, and a sense of purpose.

Why You Can't Miss Cantigny 5K Run and Walk at Cantigny Park

The race page on RunSignup describes a course that passes Cantigny’s gardens, the Robert R. McCormick House, and the First Division Museum. Because of construction at Cantigny Golf, the course is modified this year, and most of it routes through Cantigny Golf. The organizer notes that the 5K course will not be certified this year or next: it was mapped as close to 3.1 miles as possible with Map My Run, so your watch or phone may track a different distance. Cantigny lists the 2026 course map as coming soon.

All proceeds benefit the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton, a not-for-profit transitional living facility that assists U.S. veterans of any era. Registrants may also enjoy access to Cantigny for the rest of the day, so you can stay for a stroll through the gardens after you finish.

What to Expect on Race Day

Early packet pick-up is Friday, October 16, from 11 am to 7 pm at the Visitors Center, and race-morning pick-up runs from 7 to 8:45 am on Saturday, October 17. Your disposable timing chip comes in your packet, attached to the back of your bib number. The 5K starts at 9 am. The 5K awards ceremony is at 10 am, followed by the 1-mile run for ages 6 to 10 and the 1/4-mile run for ages 0 to 5.

Water stations are set up at the halfway mark and at the start/finish line, and digital clocks or timers are located at the mile markers. Awards go to the top three male and female overall 5K finishers at approximately 10 am in the South Lot near the finish line, and the top three male and female finishers in the 1-mile and 1/4-mile runs receive an award right after each race. Only registered runners with a valid chip are eligible for awards, and Mattoon Multisport provides the official results.

The American Legion Pancake Breakfast runs from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm in Le Jardin. It costs $12 for ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 5 to 12, and is free for children 4 and under. Breakfast tickets bought during packet pick-up on October 16 are discounted to $10 per adult.

• Chip-timed 5K with a disposable timing chip included in your packet
• Kids’ runs (not chip-timed): 1 mile for ages 6 to 10 and 1/4 mile for ages 0 to 5, $5 each
• Access to Cantigny for the rest of the day for registrants

Plan Your Visit

The parking fee is waived for registered participants picking up their packets, and the race page says ample free parking for participants and volunteers is close to the Visitors Center and the finish line, so you can leave gear in your car.

Arrive early for race-morning packet pick-up (7 to 8:45 am) to allow time to warm up before the 9 am start. Bicycles, in-line skates, roller skates, scooters, other wheeled vehicles (wheelchairs excepted), and dogs are not allowed on the course. Runners with baby strollers may not run competitively and must start after, and stay behind, the other runners for the entire race.

• Address: 1S151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189
• 5K registration: $30 from September 20 through October 15, then $45 on October 16 and 17, when you must register in person at Cantigny. The earlier $20 and $25 rates have ended.
• Online registration on RunSignup is listed as closing October 14 at 11:59 pm CDT.
• Check the forecast before race day and dress for the weather.

Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoying a morning outdoors with loved ones, the Cantigny 5K pairs a good cause with fall scenery a short drive from Naperville. Grab your spot and make it a memorable fall day.

Event Details At-A-Glance

• When: Saturday, October 17, 2026; the 5K starts at 9:00 AM
• Where: Cantigny Park
• Address: 1S151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189, United States
• Registration: 5K $30 through October 15, $45 on October 16 and 17 (in person at Cantigny); kids’ runs $5
• Organizer: Cantigny Park
• Phone: 630-668-5161
• Tickets / info: Get details

Dates, times, and pricing can change. Confirm the latest details on the official event page before making plans.

Looking for more? Explore other things to do in Naperville or browse the full Naperville events calendar.