The HBCU Run

09/21/2026

HBCU Run & Brunch Update 💚

Y’all have questions. We have answers...and a few answers we’re still working through. 😂

Here’s where things stand following Saturday’s weather cancellation:
🏃🏾‍♀️ We’re working on a spring date to reschedule the 2026 Chicago HBCU Run & Brunch.
🏅 We’re working through the virtual race + medal process.
🎽 We’re working through packet pickup and our original jackets, which were delayed in customs.
📍 We’re coordinating all the moving pieces before announcing details so that when we tell you something, you can rely on it.

For now, you do not need to do anything. We’ll put the next steps in one centralized place once everything is confirmed.

And yes, the rain is STILL raining. Apparently it has committed to the bit. 😩🌧️

Thank you for your patience, your grace and your continued support of Hillman Recreation Foundation and the HBCU Run & Brunch.

The rain may have won Saturday. It did not win the HBCU Run & Brunch. 💚

09/19/2026

Even though we can’t run, WE CAN STILL BRUNCH! 🙌🏾🍽️

The food is already done, y’all. We might as well eat! 😂 Our lovely partners at Let’s Eat to Live have invited the HBCU Run & Brunch community to come over and enjoy the brunch that was prepared for today.

📍 Let’s Eat to Live
621 E. 67th Street
⏰ Open now until 12:00 p.m.

BRING YOUR RACE BIB! 🎽 That’s your ticket to brunch.

Come eat, fellowship and make something good out of this very soggy Race Day. 🌧️😂 We may not be able to hit the course today, but apparently Mother Nature forgot the event is called the HBCU Run AND Brunch.

No run today. Still brunch. 💚

09/19/2026

Y’all… the rain is RAINING, and it will not let us be great. 😩🌧️

Rainbow Beach is currently looking more like a swimming pool, and portions of our course are flooded. As of today, we unfortunately have to cancel the HBCU Run & Brunch for the safety of our participants, vendors, volunteers and crew.

We know you have questions. We have questions too. Please give our team the weekend to assess everything and determine next steps. We will begin providing updates and answering questions on Monday.

For those interested in completing your race virtually in the interim, we’ll also provide information about virtual participation and receiving your medal.

On behalf of the Hillman Recreation Foundation, thank you for your patience, understanding and support. We put a LOT into today, and we know many of you did too. 💚

Please stay tuned for updates beginning Monday.

09/19/2026

🌧️ GOOD MORNING & HAPPY RACE DAY! 🏃🏾‍♀️🎉

A little rain never stopped Hillman Yard! The crews are on site and working through a start-stop setup while the lightning moves through.

We’re still on pace for a 9:00 a.m. push off! 🙌🏾

📍 Rainbow Beach
⏰ Programming + warm-up begins at 8:30 a.m.
🏃🏾‍♀️ 5K + 10K start at 9:00 a.m.

We’ll keep you posted if anything changes. Otherwise, grab that jacket, bring that HBCU/PBI/school pride, and come ready to run, walk, brunch and have a TIME. 😂☔️

Rain or shine, we outside. Happy HBCU Run & Brunch Day! ❤️

09/19/2026

Goooood Morning 🌧️

The crews are on site and on a start-stop setup.

It looks like the lightening will end shortly, and we’ll keep pace for a 9am push off!

Programming and warm up begin at 8:30am.

If there are ANY CHANGES, we’ll keep you posted!

Happy Rainy Race Day! 🏃🏾‍♀️ 🎉

09/19/2026

Remember — Rain is weather, lightning is a safety condition. Please watch this page and our Instagram stories for updates.

While we're rain or shine, your safety means everything to us.

We will keep you posted, and as long as the course is SAFE to run on, we'll proceed! 🧡

09/18/2026

09/16/2026

WELL SH*T… WHAT ELSE? 😂🏃🏾‍♀️

Here’s everything waiting for you at the 2026 HBCU Run & Brunch: the 5K and 10K courses, custom swag, brunch, beverages, Alumni Tent Village, Advocate Health Care Wellness Corner, Exposure Experience Zone, Mobile DMV, Kicks Of Chicago raffle and plenty of HBCU, PBI and Divine Nine love.

📅 Saturday, September 19th
⏰ Race begins at 9:00 a.m., Gates open at 8:00am
📍 Rainbow Beach
🚗 Free parking
🥞 Brunch included with every registration
👟 Ages 8+
🎶 Music by Vince Adams & YOUNG SKOCHELLA

This is more than a race. All donations support the Hillman Rec x Baseball Organization for Minorities Scholarship Fund, helping student-athletes pursue their goals on and off the field.

Registration closes TONIGHT. There will be no race-day registration.

🔗 Register or donate at TheHBCURun.com.

Run. Walk. Brunch. Build community. 💚

09/14/2026

VIP just got a little juicier! 🥤✨

Newly added to the HBCU Run & Brunch VIP experience, Peeled & Pressed is offering an exclusive tasting menu available only to our VIP guests!

Sample signature favorites, including:

💙 Soursop Blue Glow
🫐 Berry Bliss
🥭 Tropical Treat
💚 Green Glow cold-pressed juice
🌿 Seamoss shots
🍓 A build-your-own yogurt parfait bar

Additional smoothies, juices and 9inety 2wo Minerals seamoss gels will also be available for purchase.

Peeled and Pressed Juice & Smoothie Bar is a Black-owned establishment located inside Orland Park Mall, right outside Macy’s and The Cheesecake Factory.

📅 Saturday, September 19th
⏰ Race Starts at 9:00 a.m.
📍 Rainbow Beach, 3111 E. 77th St.
🔗 TheHBCURun.com

This menu is exclusively for VIP guests, so upgrade your experience and meet us in VIP! 💚

09/11/2026

Packet pickup is almost here! 🏃🏾‍♀️🏃🏾‍♂️

Registered runners and walkers can pick up their race materials before the HBCU Run & Brunch:

📅 Friday, September 18th
⏰ 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
📍 Nike South Chicago
8510 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Chicago, IL

Can’t make it? You may send someone else to pick up your packet for you.

Free parking is available in the lot and on the street.

Stop by, grab your packet, and get ready for race day!