Sweet Ride | Bike • Run • Walk

Get out of the city and join us for a bike ride or run along the Des Plaines river in Willow Springs. We have distances for everyone. Choose between a 40k or 65k bike ride or a 5k fun run/walk. Experience the camaraderie and community of people coming together for a cause to better diabetes care in the greater Chicago area. All proceeds will go directly to our mission to transform diabetes care and research in Chicago.

COURSE MAPS All event maps can be found here. Athletes are responsible for having and knowing the course route for their event. There will be signs on course to help guide but ultimately it is the athletes responsibility. 

Join us for the post-race party after the event at Imperial Oak Brewing.

On Course

• Except for passing, participants should always remain on the right side of the trail. 
• Helmets are required for ALL cyclists throughout their entire ride.
• The 65k route has about 25k (15miles of crushed gravel trail). The 40k route is all paved. 
• Water Jugs will available for all participants at the 40k turn around at Centennial Trail Schneider's Passage (approximately mile 12.5 and mile 30 for the 65k route). You must have your own water bottle to refill. 
• Water will be available for 5k participants at the start and finish (you must have your own water bottle to fill)

Registration

• Online registration will close Thursday, October 1st at 11:59 pm.  
• Check in event morning will take place in the parking lot beginning at 8:15

T-shirts

• Sweet Ride t-shirt sizing is guaranteed for all participants who register before 9/10. After 9/10, t-shirts will be first come first served and size will be based on availability. Shirt sizing is unisex.

The Sweet Ride | Bike • Run • Walk brings an exciting 5K, 40K, Ultra to Willow Springs, Illinois on October 3, 2026. Don't miss this beautiful event!