WEST SIDE WELLNESS FEST
Celebrate the fifth running of the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 with the West Side Wellness Fest! Come to Garfield Park on Saturday, June 6 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a celebration of movement, wellness and the vibrant culture of Chicago’s West Side.
The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 works closely with the West Side neighborhoods featured on the course to offer events that showcase West Side pride, culture and community. Events are free with a suggested donation. The West Side Wellness Fest takes place in Garfield Park and includes:
- Community Shakeout Run for all paces and ages 13 years and older
- Family-friendly 1.31-Mile Walk
- Youth Running Events for ages 6-18 years old
- Community Village showcasing West Side businesses and organizations
The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 is committed to inclusion, accessibility and community impact. The West Side Wellness Fest is free and open to all fitness levels. Participants have the option to make a suggested donation at the point of registration to support the Garfield Park Advisory Council, the community voice for Garfield Park. 100% of donations will support the park’s programs and facilities and continue to help the West Side thrive. If you’re able, please consider donating. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Garfield Park
7:00 a.m. – West Side Wellness Fest starts
7:00 a.m. – Bib pick-up begins
8:00 a.m. – Community Shakeout Run
8:45 a.m. – 1.31-Mile Walk warm-up activity
9:00 a.m. – 1.31-Mile Walk
10:00 a.m. – Youth Running Events
11:00 a.m. – Youth Running Events end
11:00 a.m. – West Side Wellness Fest ends
Bib pick-up for the West Side Wellness Walk will take place in Garfield Park and is different than Packet Pick-up for the Bank of America Chicago 13.1.
COMMUNITY SHAKEOUT RUN
The Community Shakeout Run, led by Peace Runners 773, will take place on Saturday, June 6 at 8 a.m. and is open to all paces and ages 13 years and older. The free shakeout run will take participants on a casual fun run in Garfield Park to build community, excitement and support for the participants taking on the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 the next day. Peace Runners 773 is a nonprofit focused on health equity on Chicago’s West Side. After the run, participants are encouraged to stay and take part in 1.31-Mile Walk.
All walkers will receive a unique bib number for this untimed event and a commemorative item for participating.
All participants must be familiar with and abide by the event rules.
1.31-MILE WALK
The 1.31-Mile Walk at the West Side Wellness Fest will take place on Saturday, June 6 at 9 a.m. The Walk is a free, family-friendly activity that takes participants on the footpath through the beautiful acres in Garfield Park.
All walkers will receive a unique bib number for this untimed event and a commemorative item for participating.
The 1.31-Mile Walk is open to individuals 6 years of age or older.
All participants must be familiar with and abide by the event rules.
YOUTH RUNNING EVENTS
The Youth Running Events at the West Side Wellness Fest will take place on Saturday, June 6 at 10 a.m. The events are free and celebrate the next generation of runners with a 200-meter dash for 6 to 10 –year olds, a 400-meter dash for 8 to 14 –year olds, and a one-mile run for 8 to 18 –year olds.
The youth running events will take place after the 1.31 Mile Walk. Families are invited to take part in both the walk and youth events if interested.
All participants will receive a unique bib number, t-shirt and finisher medal.
All participants must be familiar with and abide by the event rules.
GARFIELD PARK ADVISORY COUNCIL (GARFIELD PAC)
The Garfield PAC is an advocate and steward for the preservation and restoration of 184 acres of natural resources and park facilities in Garfield Park, as well as a voice for the surrounding community. The Garfield PAC promotes ways for the community to better utilize Garfield Park’s natural resources, youth/adult programs and facilities, provides communication to the Chicago Park District on matters relating to the improvements of the park while increasing community awareness of on-going projects and provides the community with a vehicle through which park information can be shared.
PEACE RUNNERS 773
Peace Runners 773 is a non-profit organization that advocates for health equity. Peace Runners 773’s programming empowers, educates and brings awareness to holistic health and wellness through physical, mental and social wellbeing while creating safe spaces for movement in underserved communities.
COMMUNITY VILLAGE
The Community Village at the West Side Wellness Fest will take place on Saturday, June 6 from 7 to 11 a.m. The Community Village features local artists, food vendors and businesses, showcasing the organizations making an impact on Chicago’s West Side.
Community Village vendor opportunities are reserved for local, independent businesses and organizations that serve and operate on the West Side. The 2026 Community Village vendor application will open soon. Please visit the Community Vendor Opportunities section on the Marketing opportunities page to receive updates and to be notified when the application opens.
WEST SIDE WELLNESS FEST FAQs
- COMMUNITY SHAKEOUT RUN FAQs
Where is the community shakeout run taking place?
The community shakeout run will start and finish on Music Court near the Garfield Park Bandshell. The course will follow the footpath in the south section of Garfield Park and sidewalks near the park.When is the community shakeout run?
The community shakeout run will start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 6. Check-in and registration will take place in Garfield Park before the walk, starting at 7 a.m.What is a shakeout run?
A shakeout run is a short, easy-paced run designed to loosen up your muscles and prepare you for a longer race.Can I participate in the community shakeout run if I’m not running the Bank of America Chicago 13.1?
Yes! The shakeout run is open to anyone.How long is the community shakeout run?
The community shakeout run is approximately 2.33 miles.Is there a minimum age requirement?
You must be 13 years of age or older on event day. Registrants under 18 years of age must have the registration form completed by a parent or legal guardian permitting participation.Who is leading the community shakeout run?
Peace Runners 773, a nonprofit focused on health equity on Chicago’s West Side, will lead the community shakeout run.Is gear check offered at the community shakeout run?
No. Gear check is not available. Participants should not store, hide or leave any personal items at or near the event site. You are responsible for safely storing your gear offsite prior to the race. Any items left unattended will be removed from the area and will not be made available later.What amenities are provided to community shakeout run participants?
Participants will receive a unique event bib number, water before and after the run and a variety of post-run snacks and offerings. Participants will also receive an exclusive commemorative item.Is there event day registration for the community shakeout run?
If the event has not reached capacity, individuals interested in participating will be able to sign up the day of the event at the Bib Pick-up Tent.Is there parking available for event attendees?
Street parking is available throughout the Garfield Park neighborhood. - 1.31-MILE WALK FAQs
Where is the 1.31-Mile Walk taking place?
The walk will start near the Garfield Park Bandshell south of Madison Street and take place on the footpath in the south section of Garfield Park.When is the 1.31-Mile Walk?
The walk will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 6. Check-in and registration will take place in Garfield Park before the walk starting at 8 a.m. There will be a pre-walk warm-up activity starting at 8:45 a.m.What is the distance of the 1.31-Mile Walk?
The walk is a 1.31-mile fitness walk.Is gear check offered at the 1.31-Mile Walk?
No. Gear check is not available. Participants should not store, hide or leave any personal items at or near the event site. You are responsible for safely storing your gear offsite prior to the race. Any items left unattended will be removed from the area and will not be made available later.What amenities are provided to 1.31-Mile Walk participants?
Participants will receive a unique event bib number, water before and after the walk and a variety of post-race snacks and offerings. Participants will also receive an exclusive commemorative item.Is there a time limit to complete the 1.31-Mile Walk?
Participants of all abilities are encouraged to take part in the 1.31-Mile Walk. Participants are encouraged to keep a 30 minute per mile pace.Is the 1.31-Mile Walk timed?
This is an untimed event.Can I run the 1.31-Mile Walk?
The 1.31-Mile Walk is designed as a walking event, not a running event. While individuals will not be prohibited from running, we do encourage all participants to walk the event.Is there a minimum age requirement?
You must be 6 years of age or older on event day. Registrants under 18 years of age must have the registration form completed by a parent or legal guardian permitting participation.Are wheeled devices allowed at the 1.31-Mile Walk?
The use of wheeled devices by participants or any other person authorized to be on the course shall be strictly limited to: (a) authorized and registered wheelchair participants (b) authorized course marshals on bicycles and (c) strollers.Are pets allowed at the 1.31-Mile Walk?
Pets/animals (except service animals that are trained to perform specific work or tasks for a person with a disability) are not allowed at the Wellness Walk.Is there event day registration for the 1.31-Mile Walk?
If the event has not reached capacity, individuals interested in participating will be able to sign up the day of the event at the Bib Pick-up Tent.Is there parking available for event attendees?
Street parking is available throughout the Garfield Park neighborhood - YOUTH RUNNING EVENTS FAQs
Where are the youth running events taking place?
The youth 200- and 400-meter dashes will take place on Music Court near the Garfield Park Bandshell. The youth 1-mile loop will take place on the footpath in the south section of Garfield Park.When do the youth running events start?
The youth running events will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 6. Bib pick-up will take place in Garfield Park before the walk, starting at 8 a.m. The youth running events will take place after the 1.31-Mile Walk. Families are invited to take part in both the walk and youth events if interested.What distances are offered for the youth running events?
Distances offered include a 200-meter dash (ages 6-10), 400-meter dash (ages 8-14) and 1-mile loop (ages 8-18).Is gear check offered at the youth running events?
No. Gear check is not available. Participants should not store, hide or leave any personal items at or near the event site. You are responsible for safely storing your gear offsite prior to the race. Any items left unattended will be removed from the area and will not be made available later.What amenities are provided to youth running events participants?
Participants will receive a unique event bib number, water before and after the events and a variety of post-race snacks and offerings.Is there event day registration for the youth running events?
If the event has not reached capacity, individuals interested in participating will be able to sign up the day of the event at the Bib Pick-up Tent.Is there parking available for event attendees?
Street parking is available throughout the Garfield Park neighborhood.
