Whether you’re a religious seven-days-a-week gym buff or just a weekend warrior, you’ll want to plan now for these outdoor summer favorites that’ll raise your pulse — and your spirits — while you get a breath of fresh air.
Run
Race to Taste
Want to avoid bulking up at the Taste of Chicago? Don’t go. Second option: Lace up for this 5K run and 2-mile walk, held in conjunction with the mega-food fest in Grant Park.
Bonus: The race ends at the Taste. Bon appetit!
Sign up: 8 a.m. June 29. $30. Registration required: cityofchicago.org/specialevents
Bastille Day 5K Run/Walk & Block Party
Mark the start of the French Revolution, then pig out with food and beer in the West Loop. Includes live music. 7:30 p.m. July 10. $27-$33. Registration recommended: chicagoevents.com
Elvis is Alive 5K
Dress up like the King for this gut buster starting in Grant Park, then crunch brews and food at a party with live music. 6:30 p.m. Aug. 7. $25-$30. Registration: fleetfeetchicago.com
KICK FREE!
Millennium Park Workouts
Bust your grass on the Great Lawn with 45-minute sessions led by Lakeshore Athletic Club instructors and local dancers. 8 a.m. Saturdays, June 7-Sept. 27. 312-742-1168.
15th Annual Workout in the Park
SELF magazine comes to life in Lincoln Park with classes in yoga, Pilates, boxing and more.
Bonus: Get fashion tips, beauty consultations and product samples.
Sign up: 11 a.m. May 17. $20-$25. Registration recommended: selfworkoutinthepark.com
FREE!
Chicago SummerDance Festival
Shake it to world music, jazz, funk, big band and ballroom in the Grant Park Spirit of Music Garden. Don’t know polka from foxtrot? Hourlong lessons kick things off. 6 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 4 p.m. Sundays, June 12-Aug. 24. 312-742-4007.
ROLL
Bike the Drive
Cars get the boot so bikes can rule the road during this 15- or 30-mile non-competitive ride along Lake Shore Drive between Hollywood Avenue and 57th Street.
Bonus: After-party in Grant Park includes breakfast ($7) and tunes from American English.
Sign up: 5:30 a.m. May 25. $35-$50. Registration required: bikethedrive.org
FREE!
World Naked Bike Ride Chicago
Wear a thong and camouflage your bare essentials with body paint for this 20-mile rolling protestation of oil dependence through downtown, Near North and West Side streets. 6 p.m. June 14. Contact: chicago.worldnakedbikeride.org
The L.A.T.E. Ride
This rowdy, 25-mile “Long After Twilight Ends” pedal through downtown and North Side ‘hoods includes pre-ride festivities and snacks. July 12. $35-$40. Registration recommended: lateride.org
Paddle
Whale Watching on a Tall Ship
Sightings are highly unlikely, but you still can give your eyes a workout aboard the 77-foot Red Witch schooner. Add cardio by volunteering to help raise and lower sails.
Bonus: Sails are BYOB and BYOF
Sign up: 5:15 p.m. Fridays, May 16 through Sept. 19. $50. Registration recommended. 312-404-5800.
Sunset Paddle
Work your biceps during a kayak trip along the Chicago River with Kayak Chicago. No experience required. 6 p.m. Sundays. Through Sept. 28. $50. Registration required. 630-336-7245.
‘Paddle into the Past’ tour
The Chicago History Museum hosts three-hour architectural tours on the Chicago River, led by Kayak Chicago guides. 10 a.m. June 28, July 12 and Aug. 9. $50-$55. Registration required: chicagohistory.org
———-
rkpalmore@tribune.com
