The Big Marsh Mudhen 5k

Run like a mudhen at Big Marsh Park! Join Chicago Park District, Friends of Big Marsh, and Chicago Ornithological Society for the Mudhen 5k fun run at Big Marsh Park on Saturday, March 14. This trail run is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Expect to be off pavement for portions of the course and expect to have fun!

The mudhen, also known as the American Coot, is an aquatic bird with long legs and broad toes that allow it to run on water and sometimes on land. Celebrate the beginning of their northward migration and the hundreds of other species of animals which can be observed at Big Marsh Park by joining us for this annual event.

Registration is free but required to participate.

For an additional $15 with your registration, you can purchase a limited edition t-shirt designed by local artist Oscar Jaquez. All funds raised will support Friends of Big Marsh’s local outreach and Chicago Ornithological Society’s bird conservation initiatives.

The Awards
Uniquely designed awards will go to the following categories:
Top 5 Finishers
Best Dressed (open to broad interpretation…)
Loudest Supporter (audience member award)
Took Their Time (and enjoyed the scenery)
Dirtiest by End of Race
Youngest Runner

Register Here

Register: no T-shirt, just run
Register: with T-Shirt

Run Details

Event Day Schedule​​
8:00 a.m. - Arrival and Check in
9:00 a.m. - Runners and Walkers Start
10:00 a.m. - Course Closes/Awards Ceremony
11:00 a.m. - Event finish

Course Description:
The course begins in front of the Ford Calumet Environmental Center, passes through the Bike Park, loops around the marsh via the asphalt path, and returns to the center. Throughout the course, runners will enoy unique views of one of the Chicago Park District’s largest natural sites. The site has undergone intensive restoration since opening in 2016.
The course is 5 kilometers or 3.1 miles long and is mostly flat with some potential change in elevation. Most of the run takes place on the asphalt path but a few sections will also utilize turf and dirt trails.

Mile Markers:
Mile markers will be posted at each mile.​

Aid Stations:
Water and Gatorade be available at the start and finish. Medical support will be on hand, should it be needed.

Bib and t-shirt Pick-Up
Pick-up takes place during event check-in on race day at 8:00am.​​

Travel / Parking

  • Parking: Paid parking is available in the Chicago Park District parking lot at Big Marsh Park.

  • Ride Share: Those traveling to the event by ride share should drop off at the main entrance to the Ford Calumet Environmental Center.

  • Bike: Bike racks are available near the start/finish line for participants who choose to ride to the race. Please bring a bike lock. A Divvy station is located immediately adjacent to the start line. 

Procedures:

  • Participants in the 5K will start together. (no start wave assignments)

  • Participants are to self organize in starting locations by their expected run/walk pace per mile.

  • Signs with paces will be spaced to allow for the expected number of participants to line up correctly. Participants are encouraged to line up by a pace that accurately reflects their intended average pace for the entire race.

  • ​All participants begin at 9am and must finish by 10am (no late starts).

Participant Guidelines / Expectations​:

  • Participants are expected to abide by all Chicago Park District guidelines and applicable rules.

  • All participants must sign a waiver prior to participation.

  • Do not participate if you are feeling sick or ill, and or have a fever.

  • Do not spit or blow nose while running in the group.

  • Participants may be required to exit programs/events temporarily or permanently should their actions not meet expectations and or they are creating risk for themselves or others.