Stan's Donut Race

Run. Celebrate. Donut. | 10th Anniversary Stan’s Donut Race

Grab your donut-lovin’ crew and help us celebrate 10 sweet years at the 2026 Stan’s Donut Race! Join us Saturday, July 18, 2026 for one of the most fun and delicious race experiences in the city, featuring multiple race distances for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re chasing a PR or strolling with family and friends, there’s a distance for everyone. And of course, every finisher earns a legendary Stan’s Donut at the finish line plus tasty treats along the course!

RACE DATE

• Saturday, July 18, 2026

RACE LOCATION

• Stadium Green at Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

START TIME

• 10K RUN Starts at 7:00 AM
• 5K RUN & WALK Starts at 8:00 AM
• Kids Dash Starts at 9:45 AM

START

• 5K and 10K start on Waldron Dr at the Start Line Truss

FINISH

• 5K, 10K, and Kids Dash concrete apron in front of Soldier Field (Kids Dash will also start and finish at the Finish Line)

CHARITY

• The official 2026 Stan’s Donut Race Charity is Cal’s Angels. Cal’s Angels is a 501(c)(3) pediatric cancer foundation with a mission of granting wishes, raising awareness, and funding research to help kids fighting cancer. Because we have lived the battle with pediatric cancer, we understand what these families are going through. The help that we provide these families through our programs is a great resource when they need it the most.

PARKING / TRANSPORTATION

• Parking will be available at the Waldron Parking Deck (458 E 18th Dr, Chicago, IL 60605) for $25.
• We strongly encourage carpooling and getting to the start line early, as there may be traffic. Allow sufficient time for heavy traffic congestion and street closures due to the race. Please note that the roads around Soldier Field can get congested.
• Soldier field is easily accessible by the CTA Red, Green, and Orange Lines at the Roosevelt Station (3/4 mile walk to stadium entrance) CTA bus route #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express also provides a connection from Roosevelt Station to the stadium entrance on McFetridge Drive From Memorial Day to Labor Day, CTA bus route #130 Museum Campus provides service from downtown Metra stations to Soldier Field, Adler Planetarium, and Northerly Island.

SWAG

• All 10K & 5K Participants will receive a dri-fit race shirt, Donut Shaped Finisher Medal, Race Bib, and a Stan's Donut at the Finish Line! Plus TWO Donut Stations along the course with mini donuts!
• All Kids Dash Participants receive a youth shirt, Donut Shaped Finisher Medal, and a Stan's Donut at the Finish Line!

AWARDS

• The awards ceremony will take place around 9:15 AM in the "basecamp area" near the Inflatables.
• The top THREE Male & Female Finishers will receive a medal and Stan's Donuts Gift Certificates.
• Top three male and female finishers in each age group in the 10K and 5K receive an age group medal.
  • Age groups are as follows: 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+

FINISHER MEDAL

• All in-person participants will receive a medal upon finishing the race. 

TIMING

• The Stan's Donut 10K and 5K in-person race is an officially timed event using the disposable B-Tag timing system. Timing chips are attached directly to the back of your bib number and are to remain adhered for the duration of the event. Only the run will be timed. 

PRE-RACE PACKET PICK-UP

• Pre-race packet pick-up will be at Fleet Feet
  • Thursday, July 16: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Fleet Feet South Loop & Fleet Feet Elmhurst
  • Friday, July 17: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Fleet Feet Lincoln Square

RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP

• For an extra $10, race day packet pick-up will be available on race morning starting at 6:00 AM. You can pick-up your packet under the white tents at Soldier Field.
  
  • Time: 6:00 – 7:45 AM

PACKET SHIPPING

• Make your life easier this summer and skip the lines! All you need to do is choose the packet shipping option during registration and our team will have your race packet shipped directly to your front door for only $15.95! Your packet includes your race shirt, bib, and more!
• If you opt for packet shipping during registration, there is no requirement to attend packet pick up. Packet shipping is a convenient option for those with tight schedules.
• Please be sure to verify your mailing address during the registration process, as our donut team is not responsible for misdirected packets. Packet shipping is currently only open to US addresses within the contiguous United States. Packets will be shipped 1-2 weeks prior to the event date. We will close packet mailing three weeks before the race, so be sure to sign up early! We will inform all participants when packets start shipping.

DOGS & STROLLERS

• Strollers are allowed at this event, we just ask that you start in the back of your wave pack. While we love your furry friends, animals are not allowed for safety reasons.

REFUNDS

• Since Stan's Donut Race has many upfront costs, we have a strict and uniform policy of no refunds, no person-to-person transfer, or no deferrals to a future year. We do understand that plans change, injuries happen, and various situations arise, but, we feel it is most fair to apply a uniform policy to all, instead of a subjective line of who should receive a refund and who doesn’t.  All purchases and sales are 100% final, no exceptions. Refunds will not be issued based on weather conditions, pandemics, or anything out of our control. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

VIRTUAL RACE

Not a Stan's Donut Race near you? No worries! You can run it virtually! Run the race by yourself or with a large group, in the location of your choice, at any time of the day.

Same race. Same swag. Just Your Location!

How It Works

• Register For the Virtual Donut Race – DOMESTIC ONLY.
• You will receive your swag (Shirt, Bib, Medal, and Donut Card) in the mail starting in early July.
• Run/Walk your race on any day.
• Upload your results on the website
• GO EAT SOME DONUTS!
• Enjoy the satisfaction of your success and being a part of the Virtual Stan's Donut Race!

*Please note if you purchase a virtual entry it will not be valid at Soldier Field on 7/18. 

10K COURSE 

5K COURSE

• START LINE: Waldron Dr
• MILE 0: HEAD EAST ON  WALDRON DR TOWARDS SPECIAL OLYMPICS DR
• MILE .05: TURN LEFT / HEAD NORTH ON LAKEFRONT PATH
• MILE .50: CONTINUE ON LAKEFRONT PATH AROUND SHED
• MILE .83: TURN RIGHT / CONTINUE ONTO CONCRETE LAKEFRONT PATH NORTH
• DONUT AND WATER STATION #1
• MILE 1.55: TURN LEFT / WEST
• MILE 1.56: TURN RIGHT / HEAD NORTH
• MILE 1.59: TURN LEFT
• MILE 1.6: TURN LEFT / HEAD SOUTH ON BIKE LAKEFRONT PATH
• MILE 2.3: TURN RIGHT
• MILE 2.39: TURN LEFT/HEAD SOUTH
• MILE 2.45: TURN RIGHT / HEAD SOUTH TOWARDS FIELD MUSEUM
• MILE 2.47: CONTINUE THROUGH FIELD MUSEUM PARKING LOT
• MILE 2.59: TURN LEFT ONTO SIDEWALK
• MILE 2.67: TURN RIGHT / CROSSOVER E MCFETRIDGE DR TOWARDS SOLDIER FIELD
• MILE 2.7: TURN RIGHT
• DONUT AND WATER STATION #2
• MILE 2.8: TURN LEFT / HEAD SOUTH ON SOLDIER FIELD CONCRETE APRON
• MILE 3.0: CONTINUE SOUTH TOWARDS FINISH LINE
• MILE 3.1: FINISH LINE: FRONT OF SOLDIER FIELD
  
  

Q:WHEN IS THE 2025 STAN'S DONUT 10K, 5K, AND KIDS DASH?

A: Stan's Donut Race will be on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Soldier Field. 

Q:WHAT TIME DOES THE RACE START?

 A:The start times are as followed:

• 10K: 7:00 AM
• 5K: 8:00 AM
• KIDS DASH: 9:45 AM
  
  

Q: WHERE IS THE 2025 STAN'S DONUT RACE?

A:The start and finish will be at Soldier Field (1410 S Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, IL 60605)

Q: WHEN IS PACKET PICK-UP?

A:Packet Pick-Up will be at Fleet Feet. For days, times, and locations - see below:

• Thursday, July 24, 2024
  • Time: 12:00 - 6:00 PM 
  • Location: Fleet Feet (Actual Location Coming)
• Friday, July 25, 2024
  • Time: 12:00 - 6:00 PM
  • Location: Fleet Feet Lincoln Square
    
    

Q: Is there race day packet pick-up?

A: If you are unable to attend Packet Pickup on the Thursday or Friday before the race, you can pick it up on Race Day for a FEE. There is a $10.00 fee per packet, per paid participant that you can pay during registration or cash day-of. To avoid paying this fee, please attend Packet Pickup in person the days prior. You may have a friend pick-up your packet for you. 

• LOCATION: SOLDIER FIELD – STADIUM GREEN
• Under the White Tents “Packet Pick-Up”
• Time: 6:00 – 7:45 AM
  
  

Q: I PAID TO HAVE MY PACKET SHIPPED, WHEN WILL I RECEIVE IT?

A: Packet will ship early to mid-July. You will receive an email with your tracking number once it ships! :)

Q: IS PARKING AVAILABLE AT SOLDIER FIELD?

A:Yes, please park in the parking garage. Price will be $25 per car. We highly recommend taking public transportation, Uber/Lyft, or going green by riding your bike!

VIRTUAL RACE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE STAN'S DONUT VIRTUAL RUN?

The Stan’s Donut Virtual Run will consist of a kids dash, 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon option. We’ll ship the shirt, medal, donut certificate, and any other goodies right to you. Then you run (or walk) the distance you pick at any location you choose, and we highly recommend finishing at a Stan’s Donuts location for your tasty free donut! But make sure you donut forget to tag us @stans5k so we can see these great photos!

WHERE CAN I RUN OR WALK THE VIRTUAL RUN?

Anywhere and Anytime! Since we have a virtual option, it gives you the ability to run it wherever and whenever you want. Jump on your treadmill, find a path, stroll around the neighborhood - find the perfect spot! And grab your donut-lovin' friends and make it your own Stan's Donut Race where YOU are at – DO IT FOR THE DONUTS!

WHAT ITEMS ARE INCLUDED WITH THE STAN’S DONUT VIRTUAL RUN?

• Kids Dash Swag: Race Shirt, Donut Shaped Kids Dash Finisher Medal, Race Bib, and a Free Stan's Donut Certificate!
• 5K Swag: Race Shirt, Donut Shaped 5K Finisher Medal, Race Bib, and a Free Stan's Donut Certificate!
• 10K Swag: Race Shirt, Donut Shaped 10K Finisher Medal, Race Bib, and a 2 Free Stan's Donuts Certificate!
• Half Marathon Swag: Race Shirt, Donut Shaped Half Marathon Finisher Medal, Race Bib, and a Half Dozens Free Stan's Donut Certificate.
• Marathon Swag: Race Shirt, Donut Shaped Marathon Finisher Medal, Race Bib, and a Dozen Free Stan's Donuts Certificate.
  
  

HOW DO I GET MY DONUTS?

Once you receive your packet, you will find a donut certificate that corresponds with your race distance that can be redeemed at any Stan’s Donuts Locations.

WHEN DO I NEED TO COMPLETE MY RUN?

In order to receive a finishers certificate and be added to the final results, we ask that you complete your run prior to August 31st, 2025.

DO I NEED TO SUBMIT RESULTS TO GET A MEDAL?

Your medal will be mailed to you with your packet, but if you’d like to include your results online and/or get a finisher's certificate, you can enter your information here: https://donut5k.com/results-timing/

HOW DO I TRACK MY DISTANCE AND TIME?

For the Virtual Run, we accept results on the honor system, but the most accurate tracking is typically via a device with GPS tracking.

WHEN WILL MY PACKET SHIP?
For virtual packets, they will ship the first week of August. The virtual race is currently only open to US addresses within the contiguous United States. We will inform all participants when packets start shipping. The virtual race is currently only open to US addresses within the contiguous United States.

Virtual Kids Dash: T-Shirt

Kids Dash: T-Shirt

5K: Race Unisex Shirt

Virtual 5K: Race Unisex Shirt

Virtual 10K: Race Unisex Shirt

10K: Race Unisex Shirt

Virtual Half Marathon: Race Unisex Shirt

Virtual Marathon: Race Unisex Shirt