Sweet Ride | Bike • Run • Walk 2026

The race.

Sweet Ride offers bike and running options in Willow Springs on October 3, 2026, along the Des Plaines River. Participants can choose a 5K run/walk, 40K bike ride (all paved), 65K bike ride (approximately 15 miles of crushed gravel), or 50K bike ride. Water stations are located at the 40K turnaround and at mile 12.5 and mile 30 on the 65K route; participants must bring their own water bottles. All cyclists are required to wear helmets. Online registration closes October 1st at 11:59 p.m., with check-in beginning at 8:15 a.m. on race day. T-shirts are guaranteed for those registering by September 10th; later registrations receive shirts on a first-come, first-served basis. All proceeds benefit diabetes care initiatives in the Chicago area.