Batavia United Way Bat Race 5K & 10K
- Date Sat 24th October 2026
- Time 8:15AM CDT
- Location Batavia, Illinois
- Price $6.30 - $54.00
- Races 5 races
- Distances 5km, 10km
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready to lace up your running shoes and join the excitement at the 13th annual Batavia United Way Bat Race 5K & 10K on Saturday, October 24, 2026! This vibrant event kicks off in downtown Batavia, Kane at the scenic intersection of River and State Street, with the 10K starting at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K at 8:30 a.m., followed by a fun Kids Run at 9:30 a.m. Participants of all ages and skill levels are welcome to enjoy the beautiful Fox River Bike Path, making it the perfect opportunity for runners and walkers alike to get active and have fun.
In addition to the thrill of racing, the Bat Race is a festive Halloween-themed celebration! Participants are encouraged to don their best costumes, with prizes awarded for categories like Best Group Costume and Best Child Costume. The first 600 registrants for the 5K and 10K will receive a complimentary T-shirt and swag bag, and all finishers will take home a medal and certificate. Join us for a day filled with snacks, music, and community spirit, all while supporting local programs that benefit over 25 initiatives in the area. Don't miss out
In addition to the thrill of racing, the Bat Race is a festive Halloween-themed celebration! Participants are encouraged to don their best costumes, with prizes awarded for categories like Best Group Costume and Best Child Costume. The first 600 registrants for the 5K and 10K will receive a complimentary T-shirt and swag bag, and all finishers will take home a medal and certificate. Join us for a day filled with snacks, music, and community spirit, all while supporting local programs that benefit over 25 initiatives in the area. Don't miss out
Organiser's Description
Batavia United Way is pleased to announce the 13th annual Bat Race 5K/10K on October 24, 2026, beginning at River and State Street in downtown Batavia at 8:15 a.m. for the 10K, 8:30 a.m. for the 5K, and 9:30 a.m. for the kids' run. This chip-timed event along the beautiful Fox River Bike Path has drawn runners and walkers to our lovely town from 30 surrounding zip codes.
This event has something for all ability levels, whether you are a walker or a runner: 5K walk or run, 10K run, and Kids Fun Run. The first 600 5K/10K registrants are guaranteed a T-shirt and swag bag.
Race awards will be given to the Top 3 Male & Top 3 Female Overall Finishers for both the 5K and 10K. While there are no age group awards, results will show your placement in 5 year age groups so you can compare your time to others. All participants will receive a finishing medal and certificate.
Packet pick-up: Runners can pick up their packets ahead of time on Thursday, October 22 from 2 pm to 7 pm at Sturdy Shelter Brewing (10 Shumway Ave. Batavia, IL) or at race location on the morning of the race starting at 7 am at the tent on State St. and N. River Rd.
Race day brings all sorts of fun - from snacks, music, costumes, & more!
What's a Halloween-themed race without costumes?! We encourage (but not require) you to wear costumes. We will be awarding prizes in various categories (e.g., Best Group Costume, Best Duo Costume, Best Adult Male Costume, Best Adult Female Costume, Best Child Costume) for those who want to participate in the costume contest. You can register at the information booth the morning of the race to be eligible for prizes.
We love our furry friends, but due to our liability insurance, we ask that you please leave your pup at home. Strollers are welcome but should begin at the back of the pack for the safety of our runners.
Race Day Etiquette: To help everyone have a safe and enjoyable experience, please line up according to your expected pace. If youre planning to run at a faster pace or are racing competitively, please position yourself toward the front of the starting area. Children, walkers, strollers, and those planning to enjoy a more relaxed pace are encouraged to line up toward the back. Parents, please help your young runners find an appropriate starting spot rather than gathering at the front of the start line. This allows our competitive runners to get off to a clean start while giving everyone plenty of room to enjoy the race. Most importantly, have fun, be courteous, and give your fellow Bat Racers and others using the public path a little space.
Without supporters like you, we would not be able to provide funding for 25 local programs or run the in-house programs such as our Success-by-6 preschool scholarships, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Adopt-A-Family holiday program, and more. Thank you and enjoy the festivities!
With gratitude, The Batavia United Way Race Committee
This event has something for all ability levels, whether you are a walker or a runner: 5K walk or run, 10K run, and Kids Fun Run. The first 600 5K/10K registrants are guaranteed a T-shirt and swag bag.
Race awards will be given to the Top 3 Male & Top 3 Female Overall Finishers for both the 5K and 10K. While there are no age group awards, results will show your placement in 5 year age groups so you can compare your time to others. All participants will receive a finishing medal and certificate.
Packet pick-up: Runners can pick up their packets ahead of time on Thursday, October 22 from 2 pm to 7 pm at Sturdy Shelter Brewing (10 Shumway Ave. Batavia, IL) or at race location on the morning of the race starting at 7 am at the tent on State St. and N. River Rd.
Race day brings all sorts of fun - from snacks, music, costumes, & more!
What's a Halloween-themed race without costumes?! We encourage (but not require) you to wear costumes. We will be awarding prizes in various categories (e.g., Best Group Costume, Best Duo Costume, Best Adult Male Costume, Best Adult Female Costume, Best Child Costume) for those who want to participate in the costume contest. You can register at the information booth the morning of the race to be eligible for prizes.
We love our furry friends, but due to our liability insurance, we ask that you please leave your pup at home. Strollers are welcome but should begin at the back of the pack for the safety of our runners.
Race Day Etiquette: To help everyone have a safe and enjoyable experience, please line up according to your expected pace. If youre planning to run at a faster pace or are racing competitively, please position yourself toward the front of the starting area. Children, walkers, strollers, and those planning to enjoy a more relaxed pace are encouraged to line up toward the back. Parents, please help your young runners find an appropriate starting spot rather than gathering at the front of the start line. This allows our competitive runners to get off to a clean start while giving everyone plenty of room to enjoy the race. Most importantly, have fun, be courteous, and give your fellow Bat Racers and others using the public path a little space.
Without supporters like you, we would not be able to provide funding for 25 local programs or run the in-house programs such as our Success-by-6 preschool scholarships, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Adopt-A-Family holiday program, and more. Thank you and enjoy the festivities!
With gratitude, The Batavia United Way Race Committee
Races
-
5k Adult (19 & Over)
Incl. $3.40 Fee & Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Sat 24th October 2026 (8:30AM CDT)
$43.40
5k runners run and "out-and-back" course. -
5k Student (18 & Under)
Incl. $2.80 Fee & Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Sat 24th October 2026 (8:30AM CDT)
$32.80
5k runners run and "out-and-back" course. -
10k Adult (19 & Over)
Incl. $4.00 Fee & Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Sat 24th October 2026 (8:15AM CDT)
$54.00
10K runners will start 15 minutes BEFORE the 5K at 8:15 (this is a change from previous years). -
10k Student (18 & Under)
Incl. $3.40 Fee & Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Sat 24th October 2026 (8:15AM CDT)
$43.40
10K runners will start 15 minutes BEFORE the 5K at 8:15 (this is a change from previous years). -
Kids 1/4 Mile Fun Run
Incl. $1.30 Fee
Sat 24th October 2026 (9:30AM CDT)
$6.30
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31 North River Street, Batavia, 60510, IL, United States
Batavia United Way Bat Race 5K & 10K
