What is the Gold Star 500?
The 2026 10th Annual Gold Star 500 is a fully supported 500+ mile/5-day endurance cycling event across Illinois. It's a journey to honor and preserve the memories of Fallen Service Members who gave their lives in service to the nation. Riders experience the challenge of cycling over great distances while encountering Gold Star Families and community members who share stories of Illinois Fallen Military Service Members.
Ride Options & Fees
- 5-Day Option: Ride 22-26 Sep, over 500 miles. Registration fee: $500.00.
- 3-Day Options: Ride 22-24 Sep or 24-26 Sep, over 300 miles. Registration fee: $350.00.
- 1-Day Options: Ride on any day (22-26 Sep), over 100 miles. Registration fee: $200.00.
- Virtual Gold Star 500: 500 miles. Registration fee: $60.00.
- Volunteer options are also available with a $0.00 registration fee.
What's Included with Registration
For registered riders, benefits include custom Primal Wear jerseys (1 for 1-day/3-day, 2 for 5-day), a GS 500 participation medal, 3 meals daily, snacks and water/Gatorade at rest stops (every 15-25 miles), Illinois State Police escort, overnight accommodations (typically high school gyms), baggage transfer, constant ride monitoring by ride captains, SAG/mechanic support, a lead vehicle with motivational music, and lasting friendships. The fee also covers registration website transaction fees and minor associated costs.
Schedule (Main Ride Days)
- Pre-ride orientation and safety meeting: 21 Sep, 5 PM, Chester, IL (Mandatory for all)
- Ride Day 1 (22 September): Chester, Steeleville, Coulterville, Marissa, Mascoutah, Shiloh, O'Fallon, Collinsville, and Granite City.
- Ride Day 2 (23 September): Granite City, St Louis, Edwardsville, Hamel, Staunton, Litchfield, Carlinville, and Virden.
- Ride Day 3 (24 September): Virden, Chatham, Springfield, Williamsville, Atlanta, Mclean, and Bloomington.
- Ride Day 4 (25 September): Bloomington, Lexington, Chenoa, Pontiac, Dwight, Gardner, Wilmington, Joliet, and Plainfield.
- Ride Day 5 (26 September): Plainfield, Aurora, St Charles, Sycamore, Hampshire, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, and Schaumburg.
Important Notes
Cyclists participating in 1-day and 3-day options are responsible for their own transportation to and from the starting/ending locations of their chosen ride days. Riders are encouraged to arrive the night before for prep. Regular training is highly encouraged, and riders must be physically capable of completing the ride in challenging conditions. For safety, riders are expected to maintain the group's pace.
Fundraising
This is a charity ride. Each rider is encouraged to raise donations to support the Fallen Heroes History Project videos ($3,000 per 30-minute video) and scholarship program ($1,000 per scholarship), honoring Illinois Fallen Service Members since 2001. Funds can be raised via the Gold Star 500 registration website, Gold Star Mission website, Facebook fundraising, and cash donations.
