The Dim Sum 5K & 10K is held by 501(c)(3) nonprofit social services organization, Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA). CMAA’s mission is to serve the needs, promote the interests, and enhance the well-being of low-income immigrants and refugees of all generations and to foster their participation in U.S. society. CMAA’s goal is to make the biggest impact we can right now through our continued COVID-19 relief efforts, which will be supported by proceeds from the race.

More than just a run/walk, this race offers each participant a unique cultural experience by drawing from the wide range of ethnicities that CMAA serves in Uptown and Elgin, IL. Prior to the race, runners are treated to two rites of good luck: everyone partakes in a Laotian ceremony where string is tied around each other’s wrists, and then colorful lion head dancers will perform a traditional Chinese dance to kickoff the race. Once the race has begun, participants will pass some of Uptown’s historic businesses and continue to run along the beautiful Chicago lakefront. Lastly, each finisher will have the opportunity to participate in a post-race block party, where they’ll receive dim sum from Furama Restaurant and bubble tea from Joy Yee while enjoying more performances by the CMAA youth dance troupes.

COVID-19 Response and Monitoring

For the past 4 years, the Dim Sum race has brought our community together. Throughout, the safety and well-being of our athletes, spectators, staff, volunteers and our community at-large, has been our number one priority. With that in mind, rest assured that we are closely monitoring COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and will continue to do so over the coming months preceding the Dim Sum race.

As of now, our planning and preparations for this year’s Dim Sum events are well underway and will continue unabated. We are working hard to ensure that you are able to enjoy the Dim Sum race experience you have come to expect. If you are unable to participate in person, we will have a virtual option available as well.

In the coming months, we will continue to monitor the situation and as race day approaches, any decisions will be made in concert with our local, state and federal officials and with your best interests in mind. We will communicate with you as soon as possible should there be any potential changes and what our collective options are.

What are my options if the Dim Some race switches to all virtual?

In the event that we have to turn the Dim Sum race into a completely virtual event, all participants who are registered will have the following options: 

1. Transfer your registration to the virtual option – your packet will be mailed to you at no additional cost.

2. Transfer your registration to the 2022 Dim Sum race.

3. Donate your entry to Chinese Mutual Aid Association's COVID-19 relief efforts.

We know that there is a lot of planning and preparation from your side as well and want to be able to give everyone ample time to make any necessary decisions.  

Cause: 

Proceeds will directly support the Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA), a community-based 501(c)3 social services agency, in our efforts to provide crucial assistance to low-income immigrants, refugees, and people from all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. 

To make a DONATION: CLICK HERE

Refunds: Since the Dim Sum & Then Some: The Uptown 5K & 10K has many upfront costs, we have a strict and uniform policy of no refunds or exchanges, no person-to-person transfer, or no deferrals to a future year. We do understand that plans change, injuries happen, and various holiday festivities and situations arise, but, we feel it is most fair to apply a uniform policy to all, instead of a subjective line of who should receive a refund and who doesn’t.  All purchases and sales are 100% final, no exceptions. Refunds will not be issued based on weather conditions. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Questions? Email Us!