Chicago pizzerias join inaugural Slice of Chicago race at Soldier Field

By AI, Created 6:30 PM UTC, May 19, 2026, /AGP/ – Slice of Chicago debuts July 12 at Soldier Field with a 5K that gives registered runners a free slice from one of four historic Chicago pizzerias. The event mixes racing, deep-dish and tavern-style pizza, medals and an after-party, turning the city’s food legacy into a new live experience.

Why it matters: - Slice of Chicago turns one of the city’s best-known food traditions into a public race-and-festival format. - The event ties Chicago’s pizza identity to tourism, community events and a post-race entertainment draw at Soldier Field. - Registered runners get a free slice from a historic local pizzeria, making the food the main incentive as well as the theme.

What happened: - Slice of Chicago will debut on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Soldier Field in Chicago. - The event is a 5K for runners and pizza lovers. - Registered participants will receive a free slice of pizza from one of four Chicago pizzerias. - The race also includes a medal, a celebratory prize and an after-party with DJs. - Registration is now open at SliceOfChiRun.com. - The event is promoted on Instagram at @sliceofchirun.

The details: - Angelo’s Stuffed Pizza has operated in Archer Heights since 1992 and specializes in Chicago-style deep dish with a crispy, cheese-laden old-style crust. - Bob’s Pizza is a Pilsen original known for dough made with Old Style beer, 00 flour and a secret spice blend. - Connie’s Pizza has been a Chicago institution since 1963 and has spent more than six decades refining traditional deep dish. - Rosati’s Pizza was founded on Taylor Street by Italian immigrant Ferdinand Rosati and has served classic tavern-style pizza since 1964. - The after-party will feature DJ Flipside, DJ Metro and Maddjazz. - DJ Flipside will play hip-hop, R&B and Top 40. - DJ Metro will play house and electronic music. - Maddjazz will bring a jazz-influenced house and soul set.

Between the lines: - The race is designed to spotlight both Chicago deep dish and tavern-style pizza, two styles that carry strong local identity. - The event also reflects how food brands and neighborhood institutions can be packaged into a single ticketed experience. - Co-owners Fernando Nieto and Miguel Torres said the race is meant to show that Chicago has some of the best pizza in the country and to celebrate city pride through iconic restaurants.

What’s next: - Organizers will continue building registrations ahead of the July 12 start date. - More real-time updates are expected through the event’s Instagram account. - The race could become a repeatable annual showcase if turnout and sponsor interest follow the launch.

The bottom line: - Chicago’s pizza history is becoming the centerpiece of a new race day event that blends fitness, food and local culture.