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The city's first-ever Slice of Chicago Pizza 5K will take over the area around Soldier Field on Sunday, July 12, inviting runners and walkers to trade finish-line bananas for something more on-brand: pizza.
The event calls itself a celebration of every kind of pizza lover, whether you're fiercely loyal to deep dish, firmly in the tavern-style camp or willing to risk controversy by admitting you don't mind ham and pineapple. Participants can run or walk the 5K course before collecting a finisher's medal, a T-shirt and a slice from one of four featured pizza partners: Angelo's Stuffed Pizza, Bob's Pizza, Connie's Pizza and Rosati's Pizza.
"Chicago runs on pizza," organizers wrote in the event description. "Thin crust, deep dish, pineapple... however you like it, this is your run."
The race begins at 8 am, but the festivities start earlier. Organizers say the morning will include pre- and post-race activations, along with music from DJs Flipside, Maddjazz and Metro.
The participating restaurants represent several corners of the local pizza universe: Connie's Pizza has been serving South Side-style pies for decades; Rosati's is one of the region's most recognizable pizza chains; Angelo's Stuffed Pizza brings the deep-dish credentials; while Bob's Pizza offers a more modern take on the form. (Bob's in particular is known for its distinctive pies, including creations topped with ingredients like kimchi, pickles and mortadella.)
Registration is currently open, with general admission priced at $59.69. Organizers are encouraging participants to "be part of the first slice," suggesting the event could become an annual tradition if enough pizza-loving runners show up hungry.