Chicago Marathon Shakeout Run Offers Free 5K on October 9

Peloton Tread instructor Kirsten Ferguson leads an easy, conversational 5K at Ohio Street Beach two days before the 2026 Chicago Marathon.

Peloton is hosting a Chicago Marathon shakeout run on Friday, October 9, led by Peloton Tread instructor Kirsten Ferguson. The free, roughly 5K session gives runners a relaxed warm-up two days before Sunday’s race, with refreshments waiting at the finish.

Registration is open now through the official Peloton event page. Spots are limited and first-come, first-served.

Chicago Marathon Shakeout Run Details

The Chicago Marathon shakeout run starts and finishes at Caffè Oliva at Ohio Street Beach, 550 E Grand Ave. Here is the schedule Peloton has shared:

• Check-in: 4:45 p.m. at Caffè Oliva
• Run start: 5:30 p.m. sharp
• Distance: About 5K at a conversational pace
• Wrap-up: Scheduled to conclude by 7:30 p.m.
• Cost: Complimentary

Bag drop is available at the venue, and Peloton will serve complimentary beverages and light bites after the run. There are no showers on site.

Who Can Sign Up

The Chicago Marathon shakeout run welcomes runners of all levels, and a Peloton membership is not required. Peloton says spots are open to Members and non-Members alike. To participate, each runner needs a confirmed registration and a signed activity waiver completed before the run begins.

RSVPs are limited to one per person, so everyone in a group needs to register individually. Peloton notes that spots are only valid when reserved through its event page. If anyone offers spots for sale elsewhere, Peloton asks runners to contact [email protected].

Kirsten Ferguson Leads Runners Before Her Own Race

Kirsten Ferguson has a personal stake in this one. The Clip Out previously reported that Kirsten Ferguson is running the 2026 Chicago Marathon on October 11, which will be her second marathon. She will lead the Chicago Marathon shakeout run two days before lining up herself. She is also one of several Peloton instructors racing Berlin, Chicago, and London this fall.

Her race weekend in Chicago follows a recent tune-up on the same streets. Kirsten Ferguson ran the Chicago Half Marathon the weekend of September 26, capping a build that included three changes from her first marathon, including a stronger focus on speed work.

Peloton is also pointing participants toward Kirsten Ferguson’s Call Yourself a Runner program. Peloton says the program is designed to build confidence, consistency, and strength ahead of a start line. It fits alongside Peloton’s running programs, stretching classes, and strength for runners content, which are available for both indoor and outdoor training.

How to Prepare for the Chicago Marathon Shakeout Run

A shakeout is meant to loosen the legs, not test them. Peloton has set a conversational pace for the Chicago Marathon shakeout run, keeping the effort easy with race day close.

Peloton has shared these notes for attendees:

• Gear: Wear suitable running footwear and dress for the local forecast.
• Parking: Peloton recommends the 500 N Lake Shore Drive garage at 509 N Peshtigo Ct., a short walk from the venue. Area parking fills quickly, so allow extra time.
• Photos: Ask before photographing other attendees, and tag @pelotonstudios when sharing.
• Weather: The outdoor event may be changed or canceled because of adverse weather. Peloton says it will share updates in advance when possible.

Questions or cancellations can go to [email protected]. Race information for Sunday is available on the official Chicago Marathon website.

Peloton Returns to Chicago Race Weekend

This is Peloton’s second consecutive Chicago Marathon shakeout run. Before the 2025 race, Peloton partnered with MoveMENt, a Chicago-based men’s wellness community, on a shakeout led by Matt Wilpers, Marcel Dinkins, and Joslyn Thompson Rule. The Clip Out noted that event in its coverage of Peloton Community in Motion Chicago.

This year’s Chicago Marathon shakeout run is led by an instructor who is also racing on Sunday. That gives runners a low-pressure way to shake off race-week nerves, meet other members of the Peloton community, and log easy miles with Kirsten Ferguson while she prepares for her own start line.

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