RACE INFO FAQ REGISTRATION SPONSORS VOLUNTEERS
13TH ANNUAL HUG AN ATHLETE 5K
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22, 2026 – 1:00 PM
Doty Park – 365 W. Locust St, Belvidere, IL
THANKS TO ALL RUNNERS, DONORS, VOLUNTEERS AND HUGGERS FOR MAKING OUR 11TH ANNUAL RUN A SUCCESS.
10/1/25 – 11/27/25 – Early Registration Rate: $25.00
11/28/25 – 2/2/26 – Shirt & Swag Bag Guarantee: $30.00
2/3/26 – 2/19/26 – Pre-Race Day Rate: $35.00
2/20/26 – 2/22/26 – Race Day Registration $40.00
Registration for 2026 Opens October 1st
BELVIDERE PARK DISTRICT SPECIAL RECREATION: Special Olympics PIRATES Team
All net proceeds from the “Hug An Athlete” 5K will benefit the Belvidere Park District’s Special Recreation Pirate athletes. The funds will be used towards new sports equipment, uniforms, scholarships for athletes in need, and it will help to grow the program to offer more Special Olympics sports.
The Belvidere Park District’s Special Recreation “Pirates” athletes have the option to play in 8 different sports: Winter—Snowshoe, Spring—Athletics Track & Field/Bocce, Summer—Bowling /Softball/Tennis/Volleyball, and Fall—Basketball. Our programs have grown over the years and with your participation in the “Hug An Athlete” 5K we will be able to offer more to our great group of athletes.
This year, athletes will meet you at the finish line ready with hugs, fist bumps and high fives!