Event Information

Participants can pick up their 25th anniversary commemorative bibs and event t-shirts ahead of time at the Gold Coast Whole Foods Market at 3 W. Chicago Ave. at the following times:

• Thursday 3-8 p.m.
• Friday 3-8 p.m.

Parking at this store is accessible on N. Dearborn. Parking is free for 90 minutes with a $10 purchase in the store.

You may pick up the bib and shirt for friends or teammates.

Picking up your bib ahead of time will grant you quicker access into Guaranteed Rate Field, but you will still be required to show your bib and the green checkmark from your symptom screening to enter the ballpark.

We can’t wait to see you again! Our number one priority as we return to in-person events is the safety of all our guests, including many care providers and parents of at-risk children. The following requirements will be enforced at Step Up for Kids:

• All guests ages 5 and up must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.*
• All guests, regardless of age, must complete a symptom screening 72 hours in advance of the event.
• All guests, regardless of age, must sign and accept the Participation Terms and Conditions, including the Waiver of Liability. Parents/guardians will sign on behalf of minors when registering.
• As an outdoor event, masking will not be required, but participants are strongly encouraged to wear a mask when socially distancing is not possible.

We will be adhering to all CDC, IDPH, and CDPH or applicable local guidelines for capacity restrictions, face covering/masking, food and drink service, hand hygiene, cleaning, and social distancing. Participants and attendees must agree to comply with (i) all applicable law, (ii) the current recommendations and guidance regarding COVID-19 issued by the CDC and applicable public health authorities, and (iii) all rules of the venues and hosts. In addition, this event is following the venue’s specific requirements for staff and guest safety.

*Consistent with City of Chicago guidelines, we will allow religious exemptions and medical exemptions that have been substantiated by a licensed physician. Attendees that qualify for an exemption may only attend the event if they have received a negative COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before the event. Reach out to event coordinator Ted for more information.

Guaranteed Rate Field is located at 333 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60616 (map)
Parking is FREE in Lot B, which is north of W 35th St.

All participants need to enter the stadium via Gate 5, which is connected to Lot B. The specific entrance is the gate between the Chicago Sports Depot and the White Sox Grill. You’ll see us 😊

Only registered participants and volunteers will have access to Guaranteed Rate Field for the event. If you are an adult that would like to take your children, we encourage you to register as a participant and enjoy the event alongside them.

In addition, we have an option to register as an “Adult Chaperon” that has less benefits than being a full event participant.

Thursday May 19
Packet Pick-Up sponsored by Whole Foods Market
3 – 8 p.m.

Friday May 20
Packet Pick-Up sponsored by Whole Foods Market
3 – 8 p.m.

Event Day Saturday May 21
4:30 p.m. – Site Opens
5:45 p.m. – Stepper Wave 1
6:15 p.m. – Stepper Wave 2
6:45 p.m. – Stepper Wave 3
4:30 – 8:00 p.m. – 25th Anniversary Celebration sponsored by C.H. Robinson: Kids activities, music, food, refreshments, and more!
7:45 p.m. – Special event conclusion

Stepper wave times are designed for crowd control and managing queue times. Click the link below to see your assigned start time. Anyone in the 6:45 stepper wave that anticipates walking the route can self-select into an earlier wave.

In this video, it took Ted about 13 minutes for the whole route. We expect people to do the route in 10-30 minutes.

Individuals must have their race bib and confirmation they have completed our symptom screening to enter the event. You can use a screenshot of the green checkmark you see after you complete the symptom screening.

No one other than registered participants and volunteers will be allowed into the ballpark.

All participants must have their bib and proof they’ve completed our symptom screening to enter the stadium. A screenshot of the green checkmark after completed the symptom screening will work as proof.

Bags are not allowed in the ballpark, with the exception of the following (which will all be opened/screened by security on arrival):

• medical bags
• small clutch purses or fanny packs under 9" x 5" x 2" in size
• diaper bags when an infant is present

Step Up participants will be treated to a ballpark meal plus a cold beer or sweet treat. Water will be available throughout the event to all participants. If participants have dietary or allergy-related restrictions, they may bring their own food provided it is in a clear plastic bag.

Participants will be able to re-enter the ballpark in the event they need to drop something off or retrieve something from their car.

There will be an area in the ballpark staffed by event volunteers for participants to check sweatshirts, jackets, keys, or other small items while they complete the climb.

Weapons, alcohol, soda, bottles, cans, hard or liquid containers of any type are not allowed to be carried into the ballpark.

Small umbrellas are allowed.

After you enjoy the most unique climb route in Chicago, you get to celebrate! Enjoy the following fun amenities at the Post Event Celebration:

• Ballpark Meal (hotdog, chips, soft drink)
• A cold treat! Either a cold beer or a small ice cream cone
• Discounted prices on all other concessions
• Caricature artist
• Face painter
• Magicians
• Balloon Twister
• Yard games
• White Sox Kids Zone
• medical bags
• Music from the band Next Week
• AND MORE!

The event is rain or shine! And most of the stepper route is covered.

In the event of lightning or other severe weather we will delay the event momentarily until it is safe to resume.

Event participants will be emailed Friday May 20 with more information.

In a very unlikely worst-case scenario, event organizers will email all participants by midday Saturday with a notification of a cancellation.

I will have a change to the weather plans section later today.