FAQ
Participant Guide
What is the New Year’s Eve 5K?
The New Year’s Eve 5K is a great way to finish off the existing year and earn your right to party on New Year’s Eve! Running is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, so as we look ahead to a new year, the New Year's Eve 5K is a great way to get a jump start on staying healthy in the year ahead. With the New Year’s Eve 5K in 2023, we're offering both in-person and virtual runs. Run (or walk) in-person at Millennium Park on December 31, or virtually when you can between December 26-January 2..
Where can I run/walk?
For the in-person run we will start and finish at Millennium Park., and a post-race celebration at Millennium Hall in Millennium Park., including a finisher's toast! For the virtual run you can run anywhere! The in-person run will be on December 31, 2023 at 9am. Virtual runners can run anytime between December 26, 2023 - January 2, 2024.
Want to make this a family run or walk with a stroller or your dog? You can do so in the virtual run! (unfortunately this is not possible in the in-person run)
What items are included with the New Year’s Eve 5K?
Your swag bag will include branded premium item(s), personalized race bib with a drink ticket for the post-race party, and more, and you will receive a finisher's medal. If you choose the virtual race, you will be mailed your premium item(s), bib, and medal.
When do I need to complete my run?
The in-person run will be on December 31, 2023 at 9am. at Millennium Park. Virtual runners can run anytime between December 26, 2023 - January 2, 2024.To download a Finisher’s Certificate, we ask that you complete your run by January 2nd, 2024.
Do I need to submit results to get a medal?
For the in-person run your results will be timed on-site. and uploaded immediately and you will receive your medal after completion of the run. For the virtual run, your medal will be mailed to you with your packet, but if you’d like to download a finisher’s certificate with your results, you can go here to enter your information: https://enmotive.com/users/login.
How do I track my distance and time?
For the in-person run we will have a designated course laid out and marked for all in-person runners to run. 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/be available for pick up?
For the in-person run, we will have designated pickup locations for swag the week of the race and available on race day. For the virtual run, swag will begin shipping the week of December 14th, 2023. Participants in the virtual race should be registered by December 10th, 2023 to ensure that they receive their packet by New Year’s Eve, pending any unforeseen delays. For participants registering after December 10th, 2023, best efforts will be made to have your packet arrive by New Year’s Eve. Note that you will be able to upload your results and photos during the run period (December 26 – January 2) regardless if you have received your race packet.
Do you ship internationally?
The New Year’s Eve 5K is currently available only for addresses within the contiguous United States. At this time, we cannot ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or anywhere internationally.
What do I do if my premium item doesn’t fit?
Can I swap it? We do not offer any size exchanges post packet shipment. All changes to sizes need to be made prior to confirming registration.