The Bears announced Monday that they will host the 2021 PNC Chicago Bears 5K and Kids Dash virtually from June 14 through July 31.
Registration for the race is now open at ChicagoBears.com/5k. From every paid registration for the 2021 PNC Bears Virtual 5K and Kids Dash, $5 will automatically be donated to Bears Care, the team's charitable arm, to support local COVID-19 recovery efforts and community revitalization in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood with a focus on reducing health care inequities and supporting urban farming. Last year, nearly $60,000 was raised for COVID-19 relief.
"With the enthusiastic support of Bears fans across the country, we were able to raise nearly $60,000 for COVID-19 relief last year and we are incredibly excited about the opportunity to do so again this summer," said Director of Bears Care Marge Hamm. "Through these fundraising efforts, we will be able to make an immediate and tangible impact on the recovery and revitalization of the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. We also appreciate the ongoing partnership with PNC on our many joint community initiatives, including the 5K."
Registered participants will have the opportunity to run the 5K (3.1 miles) and Kids Dash 1K (.62 miles) any time from June 14 through July 31. Walkers are welcome, as there are no pace restrictions. All paid registered 5K runners will be mailed an official race shirt, commemorative Bears finisher medal, Bears/PNC-branded gaiter and Bears/PNC-branded fanny pack (for the first 250 registrants), while supplies last. Kids registered for the Kids Dash will be mailed a finisher medal, Bears/PNC-branded gaiter and tie headband from the Chicago Bears Kids Club brought to you by Jewel-Osco, while supplies last.
All participants who upload their results to the 2021 PNC Chicago Bears 5K race page at EnMotive.com after registering for and completing the virtual 5K or Kids Dash will receive a digital Finisher's Certificate.
"This event creates an opportunity for Bears fans to reunite with friends, family and co-workers, in the spirit of health, wellness and a good cause. As our neighborhoods begin to adapt to a new normal and we look towards economic recovery, it's important that we continue to lift-up those most impacted by the pandemic," said PNC regional president of Illinois Scott Swanson.
Race participants will also have the option to create personal fundraising pages to support Bears Care during the registration process. Bears Care will continue its ongoing commitment to underserved communities, investing 100 percent of participant fundraising in projects currently in process in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood that will assist with COVID-19 recovery efforts and community revitalization. These projects are focused on reducing health care inequities and supporting urban farming to address food insecurity. Registered participants who raise $250 or more are eligible for a variety of Bears prizes. To learn more, visit ChicagoBears.com/5k.
Participants can also register for the free 5K or Kids Dash online at EnMotive.com. These participants can still create personal fundraising pages to support Bears Care and upload their results to receive a digital Finisher's Certificate but will not receive a race packet.
Registration is $45 per person for the 5K. The Kids Dash is $20 per child between ages 5-10.
The PNC Chicago Bears 5K is produced by EnMotive and brought to you by Dr Pepper Zero Sugar and Proven IT.
In 2015, PNC Bank became the Official Bank of the Chicago Bears. Since then, PNC has worked to create opportunities to promote wellness such as the PNC Chicago Bears 5K and other joint initiatives, including Homeroom Huddle reading visits, to positively impact the Chicagoland community.
