Da Ditka Dash Returns to Soldier Field December 12 — And Early Registration Ends November 5!
Mustaches. Aviator sunglasses. Sweater vests. Polish sausage. And thousands of Chicagoans celebrating Da Coach.
There are 5Ks, and then there's the Ditka Dash.
On Saturday, December 12, 2026, Soldier Field will once again be transformed into a sea of mustaches, aviator sunglasses, navy and orange, and Chicago football fans for one of the city's most entertaining running traditions.
This year's event carries special meaning. Legendary Chicago Bears player and Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Ditka passed away on October 9, 2026, at age 86. What has always been a lighthearted celebration of Da Coach now offers Chicagoans another opportunity to honor a man who became synonymous with the city's toughness, personality, and football history.
And here's the good news: Registration is currently $50 through November 5. After that, the advertised price increases to $60, unless the event sells out first.
Three Waves, One Legendary Day
The Ditka Dash is a 5K (3.1-mile) event held at Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Location: Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Drive, Chicago
Wave 1: 9:00 a.m.
Wave 2: 10:00 a.m.
Wave 3: 11:00 a.m.
Distance: 5K / 3.1 miles
Registration: $50 through November 5; $60 afterward, unless sold out
Website: https://ditkadash.com
Participants should arrive at least 45 minutes before their assigned wave. Wave sizes are limited, so anyone hoping to run with friends should register early.
Da Swag: Yes, You Get the Mustache!
What makes the Ditka Dash different from your typical 5K? For starters, everybody gets to look like Da Coach.
Registration includes:
A Ditka-inspired race shirt designed to resemble his famous sweater vest
The signature Ditka mustache
Aviator sunglasses
A race bib
A finisher medal
A post-race beer for participants 21 and older
By the time participants reach the starting line, Soldier Field looks less like a running event and more like thousands of Mike Ditka impersonators showed up for a family reunion.
And that's exactly the point.
A Chicago Tradition Dating Back to at Least 2013
The Ditka Dash isn't some new gimmick.
The event was already attracting runners and walkers to Soldier Field in November 2013, complete with its signature mustaches and aviator sunglasses.
Over the years, the race has become a distinctly Chicago celebration of football, friendship, and the larger-than-life personality of Mike Ditka.
Ditka himself made appearances at past races, adding to the event's reputation among Bears fans.
And while some participants come to challenge their best 5K times, plenty of others show up simply for the costumes, camaraderie, and excuse to celebrate everything Chicago.
What Do People Say About the Ditka Dash?
Past participants and local media have praised the race for its atmosphere, humor, costumes, and organization.
In a 2016 race recap, Chicago Athlete described a crowd of approximately 5,000 runners braving freezing weather, lakefront winds, and even flying snow.
Despite the conditions, the writer praised the enthusiastic volunteers, music along the course, lively atmosphere, and surprisingly manageable crowd.
The writer concluded that the Ditka Dash was a great option even for runners who normally avoid novelty races.
Time Out Chicago has also featured the event among the city's notable fun runs, highlighting the spectacle of participants dressed in fake mustaches, Bears colors, and Ditka-inspired clothing.
The message from past coverage is pretty clear: You don't have to be a serious runner to enjoy this one.
A sense of humor and a little Chicago pride go a long way.
The Party Doesn't End at the Finish Line
After crossing the finish line, participants can head to Da Mustache Bash, featuring live music, Polish sausage, beer, and a crowd of Ditka lookalikes celebrating their accomplishments.
There's even a special team challenge called the Ditka-Pede, where groups complete the course connected together by creative contraptions, including holiday lights and other Chicago-themed accessories.
It's part athletic event, part costume party, and part Chicago football celebration.
Running for a Good Cause
The 2026 Ditka Dash is also supporting Caleb Cares, the charitable foundation established by Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
Participants are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to packet pickup or Soldier Field on race day.
The toy drive aims to help make the holidays brighter for children throughout Chicago.
So while everyone is enjoying the mustaches and football-themed festivities, the event is also giving participants an opportunity to help local families.
Packet Pickup and Parking
Regular packet pickup takes place at Da Fan Club, 1001 N. North Branch Street in Chicago:
Thursday, December 10: 4–8 p.m.
Friday, December 11: Noon–7 p.m.
Participants will need the QR code from their registration confirmation email. A friend or family member may also pick up the packet with that code.
Race-day VIP packet pickup is available for an additional $20 when selected during registration.
Parking at Soldier Field is advertised at $30 in designated lots and garages. Carpooling and public transportation are encouraged.
Can You Walk the Ditka Dash?
Absolutely! You don't have to be a runner to participate. Walkers are welcome, but you'll need to maintain at least a 15-minute-per-mile pace. Grab your mustache and aviators, bring your best power walk, and join the fun!
Ready to Bear Down?
Whether you're a lifelong Bears fan, a casual runner, or someone who simply appreciates the sight of thousands of people wearing identical fake mustaches, the Ditka Dash is one of those uniquely Chicago experiences that's hard to duplicate.
And this December, celebrating Da Coach feels a little more meaningful.
Remember: $50 registration runs through November 5, 2026. The next advertised price is $60, and preferred waves may sell out.
Register and find complete event details at https://ditkadash.com.
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Sources for the blog
Official Ditka Dash website — 2026 schedule, pricing, swag, parking, toy drive and registration.
Daily Herald — 2013 inaugural race — historical attendance and origins.
Chicago Athlete — Ditka Dash race review — firsthand participant impressions from 2016.
Pro Football Hall of Fame — Mike Ditka tribute — confirmation of his passing and career.
