Christmas in July Half Marathon and 5K (Chicago area)

Ho Ho Ho, 
Oh What Fun it is to Run in the Sun (and Shade) 
and Earn Some Chillin' Summer Xmas Swag!

Christmas In July Highly Recommended Early Packet Pickup

• Friday July 17, 2026 - 2:00-4:00pm Early Packet Pickup. We'll do it near the Start/Finish line at Busse Forest (Busse Forest - Busse Lake Boating Center Picnic Grove #25
  Elk Grove Village, IL US 60007)  Look for the White Fun-Races Trailer.

Jingle Jolly Saturday Schedule July 18, 2026

• 6:00am - 6:45am Packet Pickup/Check-In Opens - Half Marathon

• 7:00am Half Marathon Starts
• 7:00am - 7:45am Packet Pickup/Check-In Opens - 5K
• 8:00am 5K Starts
• 8:20am Post Race Christmas Party Begins!!!

Christmas In July - Near Dayton, OH?

Join Us For More Christmas Summer Fun in the Sun & Shade Hawaiian Style!

When:  Sunday July 12, 2026

Where:  Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway
777 Hollywood Blvd
Dayton, OH US 45414

CLICK HERE 

Q: I cannot come, what are my options?  Can I get a refund?
A:  Sorry there are no refunds for any reason.  We offer 5 different options to choose from.

1) You may switch to virtual and have your swag mailed for $20 per person.

2) You may have a friend pick up your swag at packet pickup or on race day 

3) You may sell/give away your entry at no additional cost. (Available Until July 8) 
 

4) Defer your entry to 2027 for $25 (Available Until July 8)

5) Donate your registration fees to the Charity Partner!

Where Do We Park?  Limited Spots, Please Car Pool!

Busse Forest - Busse Lake Boating Center Picnic Grove #25
Elk Grove Village, IL US 60007There is adequate parking all along Grove 22 -26.  Get there super early to secure a spot near the start/finish area, but once parking spots fill, continue along the parking lot path for additional parking spots.  Click Here for Google Map Location  

Is the Course Good for Spectators?  Absolutely!  Here are google map locations that are easily accessible by car.

• Mile 6.1 & 10.6

• Mile 2 & 3

Q:  Will the race still happen if it is raining or storming?
A:  Yes!!!  We will only delay for lightning or tornado.

Is there Beer at the Finish Line?  Of Course!  We have a local craft brewery supplying excellent post race brew for all finishers after the race!

Is this a timed race?  Am I allowed to walk?  We are timing both events.  Walkers are welcome in both events!  Please note, the Half Marathon course closes at 4 hours. 

Can I bring my kids?  Strollers?  Pets?  Yes - this is a kid, pet, and stroller friendly event.  

Is this a closed course?  NO - **very important** to note that the course will be open to bikers and roller bladers.  Please stay to the right side of the course and do not block oncoming traffic in the oncoming lane of the bike path

Is this a fun run?  Are there trophy’s or prizes for the top 5K finishers? 

A:  Yes, Top 3 Male/Female Overall Winners will Win a Santa Trophy and Christmas Koozie or Socks.

Top 3 Male/Female in each Age Group. Top 3 in each Age Group will Win an Age Group Medal and a Fun Christmas In July Koozie or Socks.

 1-10
11-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70+
 
Q:  Are there Half Marathon Awards? 
A:  Yes, Top 3 Male/Female Overall will Win a Santa Trophy and Christmas Koozie or Socks.

 Top 3 Male/Female in each Age Group. Top 3 in each Age Group will Win an Age Group Medal and a Fun Christmas In July Koozie or Socks.

13-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70+

Q:  Will Overall or Age Group Prizes be Mailed? 
A:  No, please be sure to check results before you leave to see if you are a WINNER!  

There will be a $10 - $15 Fee if any prizes are not picked up on race day and need to be mailed.

Can I Pick up my Packet on Race Day?  Yes - we recommend arriving early to beat the lines and Opens Up for the Half Marathon Participants at 6:00am. Then Opens at 7:00am for the 5K Participants!

 Early Packet Pickup

Friday July 17 - 2:00pm-4:00pm

We'll do it near the Start/Finish line at Busse Forest Lake Boating Center Picnic Grove #25 Elk Grove Village, IL US 60007. Look for the White Fun-Races Trailer.

Race Day Packet Pickup
Saturday July 18 - 6:00am - 6:45am - Half Marathon
Saturday July 18 - 7:00am - 7:45am - 5K
@ We'll do it near the Start/Finish line at Busse Forest (Busse Forest Lake Boating Center Picnic Grove #25
Elk Grove, IL US 60007). Look for the White Fun-Races Trailer.

CLICK HERE - Watch the Live Video!

Chillin 2026 Christmas Swag!

• Very Cool Sublimated Xmas Ultra-Lightweight Tech Shirt or Ladies Ultra-Lightweight Tech Shirt.

• Real Blinking Lights Fidget Spinner Finisher's Medal (Half Marathon More Miles = Bigger Fidget Spinner Medal).

• *Hat & Sunglasses = Half Marathon  

• *Sunglasses = 5K or *Upgrade to the Hat

• Cinch Sack

• Custom Bibs with Unique Surprising Fun Christmas Names 

Refer Friends = Earn Cash Back!
 

How It Works:
1) When registering, create a Team Name for your group. Create a password (and write it down!)
 

2) Tell all your friends to sign up for the race! (be sure to give them your team name and password)
 

3) When your Team hits 5 participants, the first 4 people will get $5 CASH BACK and the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th.... and so on will receive a $5 discount on their race fee!

Click Here for Plotaroute Map

*New Start/Finish Line in 2025!

Half Marathon Start Time:  7:00am

Water Stops:  at Miles   1.13 / 2.00 / 2.86/ 4.17 / 5.00 / 5.75 / 7.1/ 8.13 / 9.34 / 10.03  / 11.11 / 11.80

Public Restrooms: at Miles  *.635 / 3.1 / 4.25 / *5.75 / 7.1 / *7.76 / *9.76 / *11.36  / 12.8

Restrooms at Mile  .635, 5.75, 7.76, 9.76 and 11.36 are slightly off the race course but easily accessible

Sport Drink : at Miles  2.00 / 4.17 / 5.75 / 8.13 / 10.03 / 11.11

Flavor Ice: at Miles  9.34 / 11.8

*New Soft Peppermint Candy: at Mile  1.13 / 2.86

Click Here for 5K Course Map

5K Start Time:  8:00 AM

5K is an Out and Back on the Paved Trail!

Water Stop: at Miles  1.12 / 1.98 

New Soft Peppermint Candy:  at Miles  1.12 / 1.98  

There are many hotels just west of Busse Woods