#1 Sports Event
Traveling through 29 Chicago neighborhoods, the massive sporting event drew some 45,000 runners in 2015. More than two million spectators cheered on the athletes. Bank of America is the presenting sponsor. Next: October 9, 2016
#2 Sports Event
Broadcast on national television, the Arlington Million is known as the first event of its kind to offer a $1 million purse. With some 32,0000 annual guests, the summertime affair draws horses, trainers, and jockeys from across the globe. This year, the race had its first Illinois-bred winner: a gelding named the Pizza Man. Next: August 2016
#3 Sports Event
The Bank of America-sponsored event is billed as the world’s largest eight-kilometer road race and is the unofficial kickoff to outdoor running season in Chicago. In 2015, approximately 23,000 runners participated; many donned festive gear, including sparkly green hats. Next: April 3, 2016
#4 Sports Event
The early morning bike ride takes place along a 30-mile stretch of Lakeshore Drive, which is closed to traffic for the occasion. The ride raises funds for the Active Transportation Alliance, and typically draws some 20,000 cyclists. Next: May 2016
#5 Sports Event
Part of the Susan G. Komen “Race for the Cure” series—which is known as the largest series of 5K runs and fitness walks in the world—the event takes place on Mother’s Day. This year, the race had some 8,000 participants. Approximately $1 million was raised at race time. Next: May 8, 2016
#6 Sports Event (up from #9)
Lady Gaga and Vince Vaughn were among the individuals who plunged into Lake Michigan for the Polar Plunge in March. Now in its 15th year, the fund-raiser for Special Olympics Chicago drew more participation this year, drawing 4,500 plungers as opposed to 3,200 in 2014. This year's event also raised more, raking in more than $1.2 million. Next: Winter 2016
#7 Sports Event
One of the world’s largest triathlons, the event has been taking place for more than 30 years. In 2014, it underwent some changes—including a new start sequence and refreshed bike course—to combat congestion. Transamerica was this year’s title sponsor, and the event drew 9,300 participants, marking growth since 2014’s event, which had 9,000 participants. Next: August 28, 2016
#8 Sports Event
Now in its 14th year, the event saw more than 2,500 runners and walkers in 2015. At race time, the participants had raised some $386,000 to support 36 organizations. The event’s opening ceremonies included a live performance of “Seasons of Love” from the musical Rent. After the race, participants had the chance to view the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Next: September 2016
#9 Sports Event
Kicking off from Buckingham Fountain at 1 a.m., Chicago’s largest late-night biking event draws some 8,000 cyclists. The ride is noncompetitive and raises funds for Friends of the Parks. There’s also a post-ride breakfast in Grant Park and a contest for “Best Lit Bike and Helmet.” In 2015, the event added a new 15-mile route to its usual 25-mile route. Next: June 2016
#10 Sports Event (up from #11)
Guests can either run in a chip-timed 8K or walk a pet-friendly 4K. Held at Montrose Harbor, the event draws around 4,000 runners and walkers; other fun attractions include a “canine carnival.” All funds benefit homeless pets. Next: June 2016
#11 Sports Event
The world’s longest annual freshwater race, which travels a 333-mile route, celebrated its 107th iteration this year. The competition saw 3,000 sailors compete from 324 sailboats. Participation is by invite from the Chicago Yacht Club, and racers come from as far away as New Zealand. Next: July 23, 2016
