Two races to run in mid-July | July 14

One night, two running races. They both pay homage to France: one celebrates the storming of the Bastille and French independence while the other serves up oodles of French fries. They’re both in president-named parks: Lincoln Park for one and Grant Park for the other. And they both boast pretty awesome post-race parties; one has been known to go strong hours after crossing the 5K finish line, while the other dumps runners into the festivities that are the Taste of Chicago.

On Thursday, July 12, you have your choice of running not one but two Chicago mainstays. And actually, judging from their start times—and if you skip the post-race party or cruise through it quickly—you could run both. It might involve cycling between locations, but it’s doable.

The Humana Race to Taste starts at Queen’s Landing in Grant Park (head to Buckingham Fountain and you’ll find it) at 6:15pm. Usually held on a weekend morning, the race date changed just like the dates of the Taste, but its perks remained just as enticing. Runners can sample healthy options served up at the Taste of Chicago at the 5K’s post-party, but they get a strip of tickets to use at the Taste. Perhaps for a slice of deep dish?

The Bastille Day 5K & 8K starts outside the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park. The 8K kicks off first at 7:15pm, followed by the 5K at 7:30pm. And if you didn’t have fun while running, you know you’ll find it at the block party that goes strong until 10pm (maybe even later).

Where are you running—and racing—Thursday night?