Metro East Footsteps for Families 2026

The Metro East Footsteps for Families 2026 returns to Belleville, Illinois on Saturday, June 27th.
A 4-mile drive north from the downtown area brings you to The Fellowship Church at 1897 Mascoutah Avenue. Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood, the church is surrounded by trees and offers plenty of parking space for participants and spectators alike. Race morning finds runners gathering on the lush green grounds, with the sound of children playing nearby adding to the festive atmosphere.
This event has grown steadily since its inception four years ago. In 2003, Safe Families for Children was founded in Belleville, driven by a mission to support families facing challenges and prevent child neglect. The Footsteps for Families 5K run is now an annual tradition that brings together runners of all ages under the banner of ending child abuse.
The race offers both adult and family-friendly distances: a 1 Mile Walk/Run and a challenging 5K Run, along with virtual participation options available to those who can't join in person.
Course venue starts at The Fellowship Church where participants will run through well-maintained park areas and hard and dry surfaces, making for an enjoyable yet competitive environment. Notable features include the loop around the church grounds before heading towards a slight uphill stretch leading back to the finish line.
Weather on June 27th is expected to be mild with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 30°C, feeling much like that as it's recorded at 24.6°C. Expect calm winds of up to 10 mph and low humidity around 68%. While the UV index will be very high at 8.0, runners should still find conditions pleasant for a morning race.