Join Chicago Park District, Friends of Big Marsh, and Chicago Ornithological Society for the inaugural Mudhen 5k Fun Run at Big Marsh Park on Saturday, September 24!
This will be the first event to utilize the newly installed 3-mile loop around Big Marsh Park, a 297-acre natural area and bike park on the city’s Southeast Side at 115th and Stony Island.
The Mudhen, also known as the American Coot, are one of the hundreds of species of animals which can be observed every year at Big Marsh Park. By celebrating our wildlife, and inviting runners young and old to come explore, we hope to build interest in stewardship and personal health.
Event Day Schedule
7:30 a.m. - Arrival and Check in
8:30 a.m. – Runners Start
8:45 a.m. – Walkers Start
11:00 a.m. - Event finish
Registration Fees
This event is free and open to all but registration is required to participate. Registration at the $15 level comes with a limited edition t-shirt, exclusive to this event and designed by local artist Oscar Jaquez. All funds raised will support Friends of Big Marsh’s local outreach and Chicago Ornithological Society’s bird conservation initiatives.
Course Description:
The course begins in front of the Ford Calumet Environmental Center, passes through the Bike Park and unto our new asphalt multipurpose bike and running path. Throughout the course, runners will enjoy unique views of one of the Chicago Park District’s largest natural sites. The site has undergone intensive environmental restoration and remediation since opening to the public in 2016. Participants in the 5K will first run south and east through the Slag Meadow and then head north along Three Fingers Pond before heading west to the north side of the Park. Once on the north side, runners will pass by Bessemer’s Keep and loop back through restored prairie / savannah habitat. Runners then return south along the multipurpose trail and loop the bike park for a fast and exciting finish at the Bike Plaza.
Mile Markers:
Mile markers will be posted at each mile.
Aid Stations:
Water and Gatorade be available at the start and finish. Medical support will be on hand, should it be needed.
Finisher Medals:
Unique Mud Hen Logo pins for the 5K Run and 1M Walk will be available to all finishers.
Bib and t-shirt Pick-Up
Pick-up takes place during event check-in on race day at 7:30am.
Travel / Parking
Parking: Paid parking is available in the Chicago Park District parking lot at Big Marsh Park.
Ride Share: Those traveling to the event by ride share should drop off at the main entrance to the Ford Calumet Environmental Center.
Bike: Bike racks are available near the start/finish line for participants who choose to ride to the race. Please bring a bike lock. A Divvy station is located immediately adjacent to the start line.
Event Capacity / Finish Cut-Off:
Participants must finish within one (1) hour after the start time (no late starts).
Start Wave Assignments / Procedures:
Participants in the 5K will start together. (no start wave assignments)
Participants are to organize in self-selected starting locations by their expected run/walk pace per mile.
Signs with paces will be spaced to allow for the expected number of participants to line up correctly. Participants are encouraged to line up by a pace that accurately reflects their intended average pace for the entire race.
Participant Guidelines / Expectations:
Participants are encouraged to wear a mask or face covering when gathering pre- or post-run until they are two weeks post full vaccination for COVID19. Per CDC guidance, fully vaccinated participants are not required to wear a mask or face covering while gathering pre or post-run.
Do not participate if you are feeling sick or ill, and or have a fever, or if you are unvaccinated and have been in contact with someone unrecovered from COVID-19.
Persons from high-risk groups for COVID-19 complications should consult their physician before participating.
Participants are encouraged to avoid traditional forms of physical contact (handshakes, high-fives, hugs, partner stretching, etc.), as well as close group gathering (group pictures, etc.).
Do not spit or blow nose while running in the group.
Do not share personal items, such as hydration, energy gels, towels, etc.
Participants may be required to exit programs/events temporarily or permanently should their actions not meet expectations and or they are creating risk for themselves or others.