Run For Rett 2026

The Run for Rett 2026 marks the 27th anniversary of this dedicated charity event, held at Busse Woods (Grove 26) in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, the event features both a 5K Run/Walk starting at 8:30 AM CDT and a 1-Mile Fun Run at 9:00 AM CDT. Proceeds support the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, which provides emotional support to families and funds medical research into Rett syndrome—a rare genetic neurological disorder that affects nearly every aspect of a person's life, including the ability to speak, walk, and breathe.

Elk Grove Village is a vibrant municipality in Cook and DuPage counties, situated adjacent to O'Hare International Airport, with a population of approximately 32,500 residents. It is home to the largest consolidated business park in North America, hosting over 3,600 businesses. Demographically, the village is approximately 68.2% White, 13.5% Asian, 12.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.4% Black or African American. The community is economically robust, with a median household income of roughly $91,000, and is characterized by its high-quality municipal services and extensive green spaces like the Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods).

The local culture is defined by a strong philanthropic spirit and a commitment to public health, as seen in the long-standing 27-year history of this race. Residents of Elk Grove Village and nearby Schaumburg are known for their active lifestyle and support for local causes, frequently utilizing the 3,700-acre Busse Woods for recreation. Rett syndrome itself occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 females, and because it is a rare condition, the local community plays a vital role in raising awareness. The "Run for Rett" is a cornerstone event that brings together local families and businesses, such as the Heritage Bank of Schaumburg, to empower those living with the disorder through both financial support and community connection.

The participant experience highlights the natural beauty of the forest preserve, with the course starting and finishing at Grove 26, located off Arlington Heights Road. The first 200 participants receive an official event t-shirt, and the post-race atmosphere includes music, food, and awards for various age divisions ranging from "14 & under" to "60 & over." By the morning of May 2nd, the trails of Busse Woods will serve as a gathering place for those determined to transform the lives of those affected by Rett syndrome, fostering hope through fitness and advocacy.