Events
5k Run/Walk
BEAT the Bridge 5K!
Scholarship Run/Walk/Virtual
More Than a Race. A Movement.
Every community has a responsibility to help build the next generation of leaders. The Beat The Bridge 5K Scholarship Run/Walk was created on that belief.
What started as a community race has grown into one of the Southland's most inspiring annual traditions—bringing together runners, walkers, families, students, businesses, volunteers, and civic leaders for one purpose:
To help build bridges to higher education for tomorrow's leaders.
Every registration, every volunteer, every sponsor, and every mile completed helps provide scholarships and educational opportunities for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), while strengthening the community that stands behind them.
Whether you're chasing a personal record, walking with friends, pushing a stroller, participating in a wheelchair, joining virtually, or simply cheering from the sidelines, you are part of something much bigger than a finish line.
Beat The Bridge celebrates health, family, service, and community. It's where neighbors become teammates, local businesses become partners, and an entire village comes together to invest in the future.
Our professionally managed race features a certified 5K course through the Village of Matteson, premium race amenities, and an unforgettable post-race celebration with live entertainment, food vendors, wellness activities, and community fellowship.
But what truly makes Beat The Bridge special isn't the medals or the music....It's the people.
Because every person who participates helps build another bridge—from high school to college, from potential to opportunity, and from today's dreams to tomorrow's success.
When one student succeeds, our entire community moves forward.
That's why every step matters. That's why every volunteer matters. That's why every sponsor matters.
Because every bridge we build today creates opportunities for generations to come.
Join us. Cross the bridge. Help build the next one.
Event Details
📅 Date: Saturday, June 19, 2027 | Village of Matteson, IL
⏰ Race Start: 8:00 AM (Arrive early to park, warm up, collect your race bib and shirt, and use the restroom.)
📍 Location: 20642 Matteson Ave, IL 60443
Location: Matteson Community Center
Address: 20642 Matteson Ave, Matteson, IL 60443
Room: Eagles Nest (back of the Community Center)
🏃🏿 Race Day Packet Pickup:
6:30-7:45 am
Race starts at 8:00 am
Awards
Open Division
Top 3 Males and Top 3 Females and top 3 in the following age groups: include 7 & under, 8-10, 11-14, 15-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69,70-74-75-79, 80+
Runners' Shirt and Finisher Medal
Participant Count
Participants
What to Expect
Chip-timed event for runners and walkers of all skill levels. A clock at the finish line will display your time.
Race Shirts & Medals: Register by May 15, 2027 to ensure you receive your event shirt and medal. Registration after May 15, 2027 cannot guarantee a race shirt or packet.
🏆 Awards: Top 3 males and top 3 females receive awards. All finishers get a medal (limited to first 200 registrants).
🏅 Age Groups & Finisher Medals: Awarded to top finishers in each age group.
🍴 Food for Purchase: Local vendors
🛍️ Vendors: Booths featuring local businesses and sponsors.
👕 Special Guest: After Race Celebration on the VILLAGE SOCCER FIELD! Enjoy a FREE HOUSE MUSIC FEST!
💚 Why Run? How You Help & What Your Dollar Does
When you fundraise, 100% of your donations go directly to:
- Helps raise funds for college scholarships and internships
- Celebrates unity, health, and purpose in our community
- Shows young people what support and opportunity really look like
Contact Form
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Event Location
Village of Matteson
20642 Matteson Ave
Matteson, IL 60443 US
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