Elgin EMS Cheese Chase 5K/1K

Get ready to run, laugh, and chase the cheese! 🧀🏃‍♀️ We’re thrilled to bring back our fifth annual Cheese Chase Race—and it’s going to be bigger and more fun than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just in it for the smiles, this event is packed with friendly competition, great vibes, and plenty of cheesy goodness. Grab your crew and don’t miss out on one of the most fun-filled days of the Cheese Days celebration!

No matter your pace—run, walk, skip, or even crawl—we want YOU at the starting line! 🧀 The Elgin EMS Cheese Chase 5K/1K returns Saturday, June 20 at 9:00 AM during Elgin Cheese Days. It’s a morning full of fun, smiles, and community pride, all in support of Elgin EMS. Bring your family, bring your friends, and get ready for a gouda time!

NEW THIS YEAR:

Epic Prize Categories! Get ready to amp up the excitement with three incredible prize categories that will take our event to the next level!

• Cheesiest Outfit Award - Show off your most outrageous, over-the-top costume and win big!
• Best Team Theme Prize - Unleash your team's creativity and spirit with the most impressive group ensemble!
• Fastest 5K Racer Award - Calling all speed demons - prove you're the ultimate champion of the course!
• First 3 Youth Kids To Finish - Lace up those lightning-fast kicks and channel your inner champion! Grit, determination, and the promise of a hilariously awesome cheese-themed prize await!

Don't miss your chance to compete, have fun, and potentially take home bragging rights and awesome prizes!

Get Ready to Make Your Race Bib LEGENDARY! Our epic race bib station is your canvas for creativity and inspiration! Customize your bib like never before and turn your race day into an unforgettable personal statement. Want to honor a loved one? Showcase your team spirit? Or add a motivational quote that'll make you run faster? We've got you covered!

Design your ultimate race bib with our interactive station packed with awesome stickers, markers, and personalization options. Make your bib a reflection of your passion, your journey, and your incredible racing spirit. From heartfelt tributes to hilarious personal challenges, your race bib will be as unique as YOU!

• Personalize with meaningful messages
• Choose from a wide array of fun stickers
• Showcase your team or personal motivation
• Create a race day memory that lasts forever

Your race bib isn't just a number – it's your story, your moment, your celebration! Let's make race day extraordinary! 

Personalize Your Event Shirt! 🎉 We're offering an awesome custom printing station from 8-10AM where you can make your shirt uniquely yours! Choose from exciting options like:

• Your name or nickname
• Personal jersey number
• Patriotic American Flag design

Transform your race shirt into a one-of-a-kind memento! Prices range from just $5-$20, depending on your customization. Pro tip: Bring cash and get ready to add some personal flair to your event gear! 🇺🇸✨

We have some fun things we will be stuffing your race bags with this year! Sign up fast to lock in your goodie bag along with your T-shirt or Tank! By signing up before June 9th, you will be guaranteed SWAG!

Race Registration Prices:

Adults: $30

Youth 0-18: $10

Spring Chickens 65 & up: $20

Cheese Lovers Unite! Epic post-race cheese celebration awaits! 🧀 Get ready for a flavor explosion after crossing that finish line! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Join fellow runners on June 20, 2026 for the Elgin EMS Cheese Chase 5K/1K. It's a fantastic 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Elgin.