Race the Dead
- Date Fri 30th October 2026
- Time 5:53PM CDT
- Location Towanda, Illinois
- Price $9.48 - $22.20
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready for a spooktacular evening at the Race the Dead fun run on Friday, October 30, 2026, in Towanda, McLean! This exciting 5K event invites runners of all ages to don their favorite Halloween costumes and take on a scenic out-and-back course along the historic RT 66, illuminated by glowing luminaries. Participants will pass by the eerie Towanda cemetery, adding a thrilling twist to this festive run.
Registration opens on September 3, with a special entry fee of $20 that includes a long sleeve technical shirt featuring a seasonal design, available until October 17. For those who prefer to run without a shirt, the entry fee is just $8. The race is set to kick off at sundown, around 5:53 PM, with a lively atmosphere that includes noise makers and a chance to win prizes for the best costumes. Runners can enjoy a single water stop along the way, offering hydration and seasonal treats to keep spirits high. Make sure to bring a flashlight for added safety, especially if you're taking a leisurely pace. Join us for a night of fun, fright, and fitness at Race the Dead!
Registration opens on September 3, with a special entry fee of $20 that includes a long sleeve technical shirt featuring a seasonal design, available until October 17. For those who prefer to run without a shirt, the entry fee is just $8. The race is set to kick off at sundown, around 5:53 PM, with a lively atmosphere that includes noise makers and a chance to win prizes for the best costumes. Runners can enjoy a single water stop along the way, offering hydration and seasonal treats to keep spirits high. Make sure to bring a flashlight for added safety, especially if you're taking a leisurely pace. Join us for a night of fun, fright, and fitness at Race the Dead!
Organiser's Description
Registration Opens September 3
$20 with shirt ($2 LRC member discount)
Shirt is long sleeve technical with a seasonal image.
NOTE: REGISTRATION WITH SHIRT IS ONLY OPEN THROUGH OCT 17.
Entry without Shirt is $8 ($2 LRC member discount)
And is open for on-line registration through October 30.
PLACE
Kicks Bar and Grill
19578 N 1960 East Rd
Towanda, IL US 61776
DESCRIPTION
Race the Dead is a fun run opportunity to dress up and scare your fellow runners, hosted out of Kicks Bar and Grill in Towanda. The course is a flat 5K in length, but some don't make it past the first water stop. Scenic luminaries line the old (Dead) RT 66 course and you run past the historic haunted Towanda cemetery on this out and back course. The run is NOT officially timed, but there will be an illuminated clock at the finish line.
While the luminaries gorgeously define the course, we recommend you bring a flashlight, especially if you are a slower runner. Costumes are not required, but if you dress in your favorite Halloween costume you may win a prize.
Runners can hit the single water stop twice. The stop is located about .4 miles from the start/finish and offers water as well as some seasonal treats and refreshments.
Entry fee includes a coupon for a soft drink or beer at Kicks.
Race start is at sundown in Towanda which will be 5:53 PM this year. There could be some noise makers at the start, and depending on wind conditions the race will start +/- 60 seconds of official 5:53 PM sundown.
RACE CONTACT INFO:
Questions? Contact Kirby Cheek at [email protected] or call 309 533-8689. Leave a message and we will call you back.
$20 with shirt ($2 LRC member discount)
Shirt is long sleeve technical with a seasonal image.
NOTE: REGISTRATION WITH SHIRT IS ONLY OPEN THROUGH OCT 17.
Entry without Shirt is $8 ($2 LRC member discount)
And is open for on-line registration through October 30.
PLACE
Kicks Bar and Grill
19578 N 1960 East Rd
Towanda, IL US 61776
DESCRIPTION
Race the Dead is a fun run opportunity to dress up and scare your fellow runners, hosted out of Kicks Bar and Grill in Towanda. The course is a flat 5K in length, but some don't make it past the first water stop. Scenic luminaries line the old (Dead) RT 66 course and you run past the historic haunted Towanda cemetery on this out and back course. The run is NOT officially timed, but there will be an illuminated clock at the finish line.
While the luminaries gorgeously define the course, we recommend you bring a flashlight, especially if you are a slower runner. Costumes are not required, but if you dress in your favorite Halloween costume you may win a prize.
Runners can hit the single water stop twice. The stop is located about .4 miles from the start/finish and offers water as well as some seasonal treats and refreshments.
Entry fee includes a coupon for a soft drink or beer at Kicks.
Race start is at sundown in Towanda which will be 5:53 PM this year. There could be some noise makers at the start, and depending on wind conditions the race will start +/- 60 seconds of official 5:53 PM sundown.
RACE CONTACT INFO:
Questions? Contact Kirby Cheek at [email protected] or call 309 533-8689. Leave a message and we will call you back.
Races
-
Race the Dead - With Shirt
Incl. $2.20 Fee & T-Shirt
Fri 30th October 2026 (5:53PM CDT)
$22.20
OPENS 03 SEP -
Race the Dead - No Shirt
Incl. $1.48 Fee
Fri 30th October 2026 (5:53PM CDT)
$9.48
OPENS 03 SEP
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19578 N 1960 East Rd, Towanda, 61776, IL, United States
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