July fitness events in Chicago

ExerScape class the Chicago Bontanic Garden

Photo: Courtesy of the Chicago Botanic Garden

ExerScape Fitness: Strength & Toning
When Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 9am (July 10–August 4)
Where Chicago Botanic Garden (1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe; 847-835-5440)
The deets Let nature inspire you as you work out surrounded by the greenery at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The facility’s ExerScape series, designed for all fitness levels, is offered in once-, twice- or three-times-a-week increments. The Strength & Toning class is led by Angelo Miranda, a fitness and wellness expert at Custom Fitness Inc., and focuses on weight loss and improving muscle tone.
Price $74–$219

Bastille Day 5K & 8K
When July 12 at 7:15pm
Where Lincoln Park (Cannon Dr and Fullerton Ave)
The deets Still want to celebrate independence a week or so after the Fourth of July? Participate in this race tied to the beginning of France’s revolution, Bastille Day. The 5K and 8K (you can run or walk) goes through Lincoln Park, and your registration includes a tech T-shirt, a timed race chip and access to the French-flavored after-party at the Peggy Notebaert Museum.
Price $35–$40

SummerDance
When Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 6–9:30pm; Sundays July 19–September 16
Where Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park (601 S Michigan Ave)
The deets Professional dancers have sick bodies, right? Participating in this ongoing free event won’t make you a pro, but it should be a decent workout. (And at least gets you out of your usual gym routine.) An instructor conducts dance lessons for the first hour before you bust a move on a 4,900-square-foot dance floor in Grant Park.
Price Free

Rock ’n’ Roll half marathon
When July 22 at 6:30am
Where Grant Park
The deets If you need music in order to survive a long run, this race is just for you. The half marathon (that’s 13.1 miles, in case you forgot) features rock bands playing along every mile of the course. The festivities also include a mini marathon (about 3 miles) for less ambitious runners, a “muddy buddy” obstacle-course race on July 21 and, of course, a rockin’ after-party. (About that mini marathon: Reality TV personality Kate Gosselin is planning to run the race, and you can get a discount to run alongside her at couponcabin.com/runwithk8.)
Price $120–$150

South Shore triathlon
When July 28 at 7am
Where 63rd Street Beach
The deets This triathlon offers a couple of options: You can go for the traditional tri (swim 750 meters, bike 12.4 miles and run 3.1 miles) or you can compete in the super sprint triathlon (swim 400 meters, bike 6.2 miles, run 1.6 miles). The event also features a kids’ triathlon. The running portion takes place in Jackson Park, and the goodie bag includes a sport bike jersey.
Price $115 and up