Movement may have looked different for everyone, but the purpose was the same. Participants laced up their shoes at forest preserves, job sites, schools, or restaurant meetups, and one group even joined in from a gorilla sanctuary in Rwanda, Africa. Together, they made the Chicago DIY 5K a powerful reminder that community has no single starting line.

This year’s Chicago DIY 5K set a new chapter record, drawing 1,040 participants and raising more than $100,000 to support Blessings in a Backpack’s mission to bridge the weekend hunger gap for children across the Chicagoland area. The flexible “Do-It-Yourself” model enabled participants to participate from anywhere and everywhere, transforming everyday environments into places of purpose while expanding the event’s reach and impact.

The creativity behind the DIY format sparked participation from across the region and beyond. Families gathered at local schools, coworkers rallied at corporate headquarters, and friends formed teams at neighborhood restaurants. Others took to scenic trails in forest preserves, while international supporters showed that distance is no barrier when the cause is clear. Every step, walk, or run helped provide hunger-free weekends for children experiencing food insecurity throughout the Chicago area.

Strong sponsorship played a significant role in the event’s success. Sysco is our proud National Event Series sponsor. Finish Line Sponsors The HEICO Companies, Molex Connectors, and Aldridge Electric helped drive momentum, while Starting Line Sponsors Ingredion, the Prugh Family, the Williams Family, the Tendulkar Family, the Schell Family, the Lampert Family, Legacy Marketing, BDO USA, Protiviti, and the Neiman Family ensured the event crossed the finish line with record-breaking results. Their generosity, paired with participant enthusiasm, fueled the chapter’s continued growth.

As the final miles were logged and celebrated, the impact of the Chicago DIY 5K extended far beyond the route. The event reflected a growing community united by compassion, creativity, and a shared commitment to children in need. With every local and global stride taken, Blessings in a Backpack Chicago continues moving closer to a future where more kids can count on hunger-free weekends.