
RAMP River Run – 3K, 5K, & 1/2 Marathon Run
The RAMP River Run offers a family-friendly half marathon and shorter races in downtown Rockford.
Race Date
Aug 15, 2026
Location
Rockford, IL
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Location
- Rockford, Illinois
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 3K, Fundraise Only
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 1,045
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The RAMP River Run in Rockford, Illinois, provides a welcoming atmosphere for runners of all levels, with options for a half marathon, 5K, and 3K walk/wheel-a-thon. Held annually in August, this event is USATF certified and serves as a fundraiser for RAMP, a local non-profit dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities.
The course winds through downtown Rockford, offering a flat and fast path conducive to personal bests. While the half marathon is geared towards competitive runners, the 5K is noted as kid-friendly, and the 3K is open to walkers and wheelchair participants, ensuring inclusivity for the whole family.
With 11 editions on record, the RAMP River Run has seen a growing field, with recent events attracting around 315 finishers. While the geographic draw is primarily local, drawing participants from about six states, a dedicated 17% of runners return year after year, testament to the event's community appeal and enjoyable race-day experience. Participants are encouraged to register by July 20th to guarantee an event t-shirt.
Race-provided description
Competition and Fun that makes a difference! What better way to end your summer than getting out for some family-friendly competition (for those who want to be competitive) in downtown Rockford. RAMP will be hosting the 13th Annual 3K Walk/Wheel, 5K Run, 1/2 Marathon! All proceeds from these events will go directly to RAMP. This run is USATF certified (IL 17063NM) and is a 2026 RRR Circuit Race. See more information about the RRR Circuit at www.rockfordroadrunners.org. Register by July 20th to be guaranteed an event t-shirt. Thank you for supporting RAMP, a local non-profit organization that provides services and advocacy that assist individuals with disabilities to live as independently as possible. RAMP Disability Resources & Services mission is to build an inclusive community that encourages individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. RAMP takes a creative approach to find resources and opportunities available to team up with individuals with disabilities to access the community where we live, work and play. We have this knowledge because the majority of our staff and board of directors have disabilities. RAMP staff meets individuals with disabilities where they are at and together as a team we take them where they want to go. We advocate for the implementation of current laws, promotion of needed legislation and improvement of existing systems for people with disabilities while working to diminish negative attitudes that threaten to impede equal access. For more information about RAMP, call 815-968-7467 or visit www.rampcil.org. PLEASE NOTE: In case of inclement weather please see the following website for updates, www.815riverrun.com Race Map/Route View Race Route View 5K Race Route View Half Marathon Race Route Please note: The course is open from 6:30am-10:45am after which time course support will NOT be available. Refund Policy Because this is a fundraising event, refunds will not be offered for any reason, including cancellation due to hazardous or inclement weather or mandatory social distancing. FAQ When is packet pickup? Packet pick will be Thursday, August 13th from 12:00pm-6:00pm at RAMP, 202 Market Street, Rockford, Illinois or Saturday morning beginning at 6:30 a.m. at the event. When/Where do I turn in my donations for RAMP? You may turn in your donations at packet pickup the morning of the event. For more info, contact RAMP at 815-968-7467. What happens if I cannot participate for any reason? There are no medical comps, rollovers, refunds, or transfers of any kind. Can I register on race day? Yes! Race day registration and packet pickup is from 6:30-7:00 a.m at the City Market Pavilion. Race day registration costs $40 for the 3K and 5K and $75 for the 1/2 Marathon Run. To speed up the process you may print off and fill out the brochure. Am I guaranteed a race shirt? No. Race shirts are only guaranteed to those who register by July 20th. After that, shirts will be first come first serve based on availability, so register early! New this year for an additional cost receive a crewneck sweatshirt instead of a t-shirt. If you raise $50 for RAMP by July 20th, you will earn a RAMP event t-shirt! What are the age brackets for the Half Marathon and 5K? They are broken into male and female brackets into the following age groups: 8 & under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+ Parking Please park at Trinity Lutheran Church, up and down Market and Water Streets, the lot across the street from RAMP and the lot behind RAMP’s parking lot where Register Star employees park. Street Closings We apologize in advance for the inconvenience of the following streets being closed on Saturday, August 15th from 7-11am: Lower Jefferson, Lafayette, Prairie, Madison, Hill & Olive Streets Can I bring my stroller/dog? Baby joggers/strollers are not permitted on the Half Marathon course. However baby joggers and strollers are permitted on the 3K Walk/Wheel course and the 5K Run course. If you plan to run/walk with a stroller, please position yourself near the back of the starting line. The only animals allowed on the courses are service dogs, please leave your dog at home. Thank you!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
202 Market Street, Rockford, IL, 61107
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
IL17063NM · RAMP Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Standout7711 years running
~266 finishers a year
growing or steady
17% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 6 photos
runners from 6 states
winner 1:20:59
typical high 81°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
62°
Afternoon (High)
81°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
73%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,045 finishers actually crossed the line across 11 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
1,045
Median time
2:22:46
Latest turnout
163
States
23
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the RAMP River Run – 3K, 5K, & 1/2 Marathon Run?
The RAMP River Run – 3K, 5K, & 1/2 Marathon Run is held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the RAMP River Run – 3K, 5K, & 1/2 Marathon Run take place?
It takes place in Rockford, Illinois.
What distances does the RAMP River Run – 3K, 5K, & 1/2 Marathon Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 3K, Fundraise Only.
Is the RAMP River Run – 3K, 5K, & 1/2 Marathon Run course flat and good for a PR?
The RAMP River Run – 3K, 5K, & 1/2 Marathon Run is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the RAMP River Run – 3K, 5K, & 1/2 Marathon Run?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,045 runners who have completed the RAMP River Run – 3K, 5K, & 1/2 Marathon Run.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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