Countdown to race day

WEST SIDE WELLNESS EVENTS

Participants smiling during the 2024 West Side Wellness Walk

The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 is excited to work with the West Side community to offer wellness-based activities race weekend. The goal of these events and activities is to support, advance and celebrate health, wellness and movement on Chicago’s West Side. Activities include a family-friendly 1.31-Mile Wellness Walk, youth running events and opportunities to showcase local West Side businesses and organizations.

The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 is committed to inclusion and accessibility. The West Side Wellness Events are free, with recommended tiered donation amounts that meet your economic needs. 100% of the registration donations will be donated to the Garfield Park Advisory Council to support the park’s programming and facilities.

Schedule of events
Saturday, May 31
Garfield Park

8:00 a.m. – West Side Wellness Walk bib pick-up begins*
8:00 a.m. – Community Vendor Village opens
8:45 a.m. – Pre-walk warm-up activity
9:00 a.m. – West Side Wellness Walk starts
10:00 a.m. – Youth running events begin
11:00 a.m. – Youth running events end
11:00 a.m. – Community Vendor Village closes

*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.

WEST SIDE WELLNESS WALK

Join us for the West Side Wellness Walk at the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 on Saturday, May 31. The 1.31-mile walk is a family-friendly activity that takes participants on a tour of the south side of Garfield Park.

All walkers will receive a unique bib number for this untimed event and a commemorative item for participating.

The Wellness Walk is open to individuals 6 years of age or older.

All participants must be familiar and abide by the event rules.

WELLNESS WALK REGISTRATION

The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 is committed to inclusion and accessibility. When signing up for the West Side Wellness Events please consider the entry fee that meets your economic needs. 100% of the entry fees will be donated to the Garfield Park Advisory Council to support the park’s programming and facilities. If you aren’t participating, you can still support the Garfield Field Park Advisory Council by donating here.

YOUTH RUNNING EVENTS

Join the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 and local youth organizations on Saturday, May 31 to celebrate the next generation of runners! Participants are invited to take part in fun events covering a range of distances: 200-meter dash, 400-meter dash and 1-mile loop. Please see the FAQs below for details.

The youth running events will take place after the West Side Wellness Walk. Families are invited to take part in both the walk and youth events if interested.

All participants will receive a unique bib number and a commemorative item for participating.

The youth running events are open to individuals aged 6 to 18.

YOUTH EVENT REGISTRATION

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 providing the community with a vehicle through which park information can be shared.

COMMUNITY VILLAGE

West Side businesses and organizations will be onsite throughout race weekend. Attendees are encouraged to visit, support and learn from West Side community leaders and business owners in attendance.

Learn more about the West Side businesses and organizations that will be onsite throughout race weekend.

For more information about Bank of America Chicago 13.1 Community Vendor opportunities, please visit the Marketing opportunities page for more information or contact communityrelations@cemevent.com.

SATURDAY WELLNESS EVENTS FAQs

WEST SIDE WELLNESS WALK FAQs
Where is the West Side Wellness Walk taking place?
The West Side Wellness Walk will take place on the footpath in the south section of Garfield Park. The Wellness Walk will kick off near the Garfield Park Bandshell south of Madison Street.

When is the West Side Wellness Walk?
The West Side Wellness Walk will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 31. Bib pick-up 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 West Side Wellness Walk?
The West Side Wellness Walk is a 1.31-mile fitness walk.

Is gear check offered at the West Side Wellness 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 West Side Wellness Walk participants?
Participants will receive a unique event bib number, water pre- and post-walk, as well as a variety of post-race snacks and offerings.

Is there a time limit to complete the West Side Wellness Walk?
Participants of all abilities are encouraged to take part in the West Side Wellness Walk. Participants are encouraged to keep a 30 minute per mile pace.

Is the West Side Wellness Walk timed?
This is an untimed event.

Can I run the West Side Wellness Walk?
The West Side Wellness Walk is designed as a walking not 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 West Side Wellness 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 and (b) authorized course marshals on bicycles (c) strollers.

Are pets allowed at the West Side Wellness 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 West Side Wellness 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, May 31. 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 West Side Wellness 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 pre- and post-walk, as well as 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