August fitness events in Chicago

Elvis is Alive 5k

Photo: Chad Marek

Tour of Elk Grove
When August 3–5; various times
Where Elk Grove Village (Elk Grove Blvd at Ridge Ave)
The deets This top-rated annual bike race draws athletes from all over the world. Look for 16 professional and amateur races (with prize money totaling around $150,000). Entry-level races are offered for men, women and children at all age and ability levels along Elk Grove Boulevard (you’ll just have to purchase a USA Cycling one-day racing license for $10 the day of the event). Or if racing isn’t your thing, join the block party and kids’ fest for music, food and fun.
Price $30 and up (tourofelkgrove.com)

Elvis Is Alive 5K
When August 16 at 6:45pm
Where Grant Park
The deets Time to grow some muttonchops and find a pair of blue-suede running shoes. This lakefront race (benefiting Team to End AIDS, a charity that helps improve the lives of those affected by and infected with AIDS/HIV) features an “all-Elvis” start corral and a postrun show with Goose Island beer on tap.
Price $30 (fleetfeetchicago.com)

Urban Assault Ride
When August 19 at 9am
Where Murphy’s Bleachers (3655 N Sheffield Ave)
The deets Think Amazing Race on bicycles: You and a teammate ride all over the city, hunting down checkpoints. At each one, you’ll drop your bikes and complete an obstacle course, then remount your bikes and hit the streets for more.
Price $30–$60 (urbanassaultride.com/chicago)

City Chase Chicago
When August 25 at 8am
Where TBA
The deets This probably won’t be the most difficult workout, but it’s definitely the most fun. Two-person teams run around Chicago (on foot or via public trans) during this—wait for it—Amazing Race–style scavenger hunt. Past challenges have included rappelling down a building, completing Marine boot-camp drills, cooking with a chef and wrapping a python around your neck.
Price $190 per team (citychaseusa.com)

Chicago Triathlon
When August 26 at 7:30am
Where Monroe Harbor (100 N Harbor Dr)
The deets Think you have what it takes to compete in this ultimate swim/bike/run race? We have bad and good news: It’s sold out, but you can still sign up via charities. Or you can opt for a shorter sprint race on Sunday, as well as the Fleet Feet SuperSprint (featuring a quarter-mile swim, 10K bike ride and 2.5K run) August 25 at Montrose Beach.
Price $140 and up (chicagotriathlon.com)