5k... 3 ways!

Let's kick some grass!

Take a break from pounding the pavement and kick some grass with us! The Red Eye 5k features a cross country style course that winds through Inwood Golf Course and finishes on the track at Busey Bank Field at Joliet Memorial Stadium.

Pre-registered runners will receive a custom long sleeve t-shirt, and all runners will receive a finisher’s medal. Of course, the Red Eye wouldn’t be the Red Eye without a Bloody Mary waiting for you at the finish line!

The Red Eye 5k is a chip timed race. The overall male / female and masters (age 50+) male / female winners will be awarded prizes. In addition, age group awards will be given to the top 3 male/female finishers in each age bracket. Please see the FAQs for age group brackets.

This year's Red Eye 5k will be run in support of Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care. Founded in 1982 as Joliet Area Community Hospice, Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care is an independent, nonprofit healthcare provider licensed in 11 counties in Illinois. They provide exceptional serious illness care, hospice care and grief support for adults and children. Your donation will help fund direct patient care services for those patients in their Serious Illness Care Program that may not be covered by insurance. Learn more at lightways.org/donate

$37 pre-reg thru September 30 | $42 October 1-18 | $50 race day

The Red Eye 5k is the second race in the 2024 run3 series. Register for all three Joliet Park District races to receive free custom run3 swag. Click here to register for the run3 bundle (available through March 1-May 31).

How can I register for the Red Eye 5k?

You can register online, in-person at the Joliet Park District, 3000 W Jefferson St in Joliet or call 815-741-7275 x100.

Can I run the Red Eye 5k virtually?

There will not be a separate virtual registration for the Red Eye 5k. Runners who choose to register for the race and run virtually on their own are still eligible for run3 swag.

Will race day registration be available?

Race day registration will be available if the race does not sell out. Race day registration is $50. Please note that apparel availability and size selection may be limited on race day.

Is there a group registration rate? How do I sign up my group?

Organized groups of 15 or more runners can receive a 20% discount on each runner’s registration. Interested groups may contact Denise Ryan for more information – dryan@jolietpark.org. *Inwood Run Club members are not eligible for group discounts.*

When and where is packet pickup?

Race packet pickup for pre-registered runners will be Friday, October 18 from 6a-7p in the Community Room at Inwood Athletic Club (3000 W. Jefferson in Joliet). Packet pickup also will be available on race day.

Do you allow walkers for the 5k race?

Walkers are welcome to register for the Red Eye 5k, however, it is strongly encouraged that all participants walk / run at a 20 min/mile pace or better. The golf course will be closed for a limited amount of time for the race, and we want to be respectful of our facility partners.

Is there an available course map?

Because runners are not permitted on the golf course outside of the race (unless, of course, they’re golfing!), we do not publish a course map.

Where should I park on race day?

Please park in the west lot at Busey Bank Field at Joliet Memorial Stadium. The lot entrance is at 3000 W. Jefferson in Joliet.

Will there be a gear check area?

Gear check will not be available at the Red Eye 5k.

Can I wear spikes since this is a cross-country course?

Part of the course is on pavement and on the track inside the stadium. To minimize damage to shoes and the track surface, we respectfully request that runners do NOT wear spikes.

Can I run with my dog? What about a stroller?

For the safety of all participants, your children and your pets, we do not permit pets or strollers (or bikes or rollerblades) on the race course.

What are the age group brackets for awards?

The top 3 male and female finishers in each age group will receive an award. Age group brackets for the Red Eye 5k are:

0-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80+

Will there be other beverages besides Bloody Marys at the post-race party?

Yes, there will be other food and beverage options available.

How does my company become a Red Eye 5k sponsor?

Contact Beth Ley, Corporate Relations Supervisor, for more information on sponsorship or participation in any of the Joliet Park District run3 race events: 815-741-7274 x 319 –OR- bley@jolietpark.org.

Still have questions? Need more information?

Contact Denise at dryan@jolietpark.org.

No refunds due to inclement weather and/or race cancellation.

Red Eye 5k

Sunday, October 20 | 7:30a

Joliet Memorial Stadium + Inwood Golf Course

Packet Pickup

About the Race