DA INFO

Date

Coming soon.

Location

Soldier Field
1410 Special Olympics Drive
Chicago, IL 60605

Wave Start

Wave 1 - 9:00 a.m.
Wave 2 - 10:00 a.m.

The Ditka Dash is expected to sell out. It is recommended you secure your preferred wave time as early as possible. Once a wave is sold out, we are unable to allow any additional registrations for that wave.

Option 1

Pick up your race packet in person prior to the race at:

Coming soon.

Option 2

Have a friend or family member pick up your packet for you by presenting a copy of your ID and bib number prior to the race (location, dates, and times listed above).

Option 3

Race Day Packet Pick-Up. For $10 per race packet, you can pick up your packet on race day at the Packet Pick-Up tent before the event, between 7:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. You can sign up for this service during the registration process.

*Please note only those who register for Race Day Packet Pick-Up will be able to pick up their packet on race day.

Parking &
Transportation

All participants are strongly encouraged to carpool or use public transportation to Soldier Field. If you drive, please allow sufficient time for heavy traffic and street closures due to the race.

Soldier Field Parking
Parking will be available in the North Garage, South Lot, and Waldron Garage for $20. Payment is required as you enter. Click here for the parking map.
For more information, please visit www.soldierfieldparking.com.

Public Transportation
The RTA Travel Information Center provides scheduling information for all CTA, Metra, and Pace services. For information, please call (312) 836-7000 or visit www.rtachicago.com.

Taxi | Drop-Off Locations
All taxis and vehicles dropping off participants will be directed by traffic officials to the main Museum Campus visitor entrance on McFetridge Drive or to the 18th Street Metra drop-off. Vehicles should exit Lake Shore Drive at McFetridge Drive or 18th Street, then proceed to the drop-off point.

Gear Check

Gear check will be available at the race site.

Volunteers

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Ditka Dash. Volunteers are needed to assist with every aspect of the race, including:

• Course Marshall
• Start line and finish line support
• Aid station support
• Gear Check
• Course setup and teardown
• Packet Pick-Up
• Water station support
• Cleanup

For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Weather Policy

The Ditka Dash will take place rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, we reserve the right to delay, postpone, or cancel the event. All registrations are nonrefundable.

Distance

5K (3.1 miles)

Start Location

The race will start on Waldron Drive next to Soldier Field. Please note the course does not go through the stadium.

Timing

The Ditka Dash is a self-timed event. Timing clocks displaying real time will be provided at the start line and finish line to allow participants to keep track of their time.

Award Categories

• Best "Superfan" Costume
• Largest Team
• Best Ditka-pede

What Is It?

A division has been created where 7 or more Ditkas can complete the Ditka Dash while connected together.

Rules &
Regulations

1. Ditka-pede teams must consist of at least 7 Ditkas plus one floater who runs alongside the team, substituting for runners who need to take a cigar break or make a Polish sausage pit stop.
2. There is no limit on the length of a Ditka-pede.
3. All Ditka-pede teams are required to create an official team name.
4. Each Ditka-pede team member must be registered and wear their Ditka Dash bib number. Each Ditka-pede team member registers separately.
5. Ditka-pede teams must start connected and finish connected. No Ditka left behind.
6. If a substitution occurs during the race, the replacement Ditka must yell "POLISH SAUSAGE" several times in order to complete the substitution.
7. All Ditka-pede team members are required to wear a mustache. No exceptions.
8. All lead Ditka-pede team members are required to wear an official Ditka-pede Captain’s armband. If a lead team member substitution occurs, the Captain’s armband must be given to the new lead runner. Captain’s armbands will be distributed to each Ditka-pede team on race day at the Ditka-pede tent.
9. The best Ditka-pede team will receive the oh-so-sought after “Award for Awesomeness”.