Lilac Mutt Strut

About the Event

The 21st Annual Lilac Mutt Strut is a signature community event held in conjunction with Lombard’s famous Lilac Time celebration. Scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Lombard, Illinois, this event features both a 5K and a 1-mile run/walk. Organized by the Lombard Park District, the race is uniquely dog-friendly, allowing participants to compete alongside their canine companions in all event distances.

Activity	Date	Time / Location
Early Packet Pick Up	May 12 – 13, 2026	9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (MMAC)
Race Day Registration	Sat, May 16, 2026	6:30 AM (227 W. Parkside Ave.)
5K & 1 Mile Race Start	Sat, May 16, 2026	8:00 AM CDT
Pancake Breakfast	Sat, May 16, 2026	Post-Race

The race course begins in front of the Lombard Park District Administrative Building and winds through the scenic local area. All registered participants receive an official race t-shirt, with the first 200 registrants guaranteed to receive theirs at packet pick-up. A highlight of the event is the complimentary pancake breakfast provided to all racers following the finish. Spectators are encouraged to cheer on participants at designated areas near the start and finish lines at Lilacia Park.

Competitive awards are a major draw for the 5K portion of the event. The Lombard Park District presents trophies to the overall top male and female finishers, as well as a special award for the first 5K runner to cross the finish line with their dog. Furthermore, medals are awarded to the top three finishers in eight age divisions, ranging from "14 & under" to "70 & over." While the 1-mile event is untimed and does not feature age-group awards, it remains a popular choice for families and those walking with pets.

The Lilac Mutt Strut is a "rain or shine" event, though park district staff maintain protocols for severe weather conditions. Participants are required to sign a liability waiver during the registration process. The event also offers various volunteer and sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and residents looking to support the long-standing Lilac Time traditions. For logistical inquiries or to join a running club for the event, the primary contact is Race Coordinator Jake Pawlak.

Races Offered

1 Mile Run/Walk - With or Without your Dog!

May 16, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1mi

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

08:00

sell

$34.60

5K Run/Walk

May 16, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

08:00

sell

$34.60

5K Run/Walk with Dog

May 16, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

08:00

sell

$34.60

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Lombard.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 10.3° / 21.4°

wb_sunny 7.4° / 19.0°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 12.3 /

water_drop 65.7%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 10.3° / 21.4°

wb_sunny 7.4° / 19.0°

air 12.3 km/h

water_drop 65.7%

About Lombard

Learn more about the host city, Lombard.

Lombard is a suburb of Chicago in Illinois and is considered part of Chicagoland. Lombard is a small town with a tight-knit community built around its high schools and the downtown Lombard culture. Residents of Lombard are very friendly and familial and willing to guide tourists to various locations in Chicago and Chicagoland.