Race the Dead
- Date Fri 30th October 2026
- Time 5:53PM CDT
- Location Towanda, Illinois
- Price $11.60 - $27.50
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready for a thrilling night of fun and fright at the annual Race the Dead, taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, in the charming town of Towanda, McLean. This beloved event, hosted by the Lake Run Club for over a decade, invites participants to dress up in their spookiest costumes and join in the excitement of a flat 5K fun run. The course, lined with scenic luminaries, offers a unique experience as runners traverse the historic and hauntingly beautiful route along the old RT 66, passing the eerie Towanda cemetery.
With registration opening in July, you can secure your spot for just $25, which includes a stylish long sleeve technical shirt with a seasonal design. For those who prefer to run shirtless, entry is available for only $10. The race begins at sundown, 5:55 PM, so be prepared for a magical evening filled with camaraderie and Halloween spirit. Don't forget to bring a flashlight, especially if you're taking a leisurely pace, and enjoy the seasonal treats and refreshments at the water stop along the way. As a special treat, your entry fee provides a coupon for a soft drink or beer at Kicks Bar and Grill, the event's lively
With registration opening in July, you can secure your spot for just $25, which includes a stylish long sleeve technical shirt with a seasonal design. For those who prefer to run shirtless, entry is available for only $10. The race begins at sundown, 5:55 PM, so be prepared for a magical evening filled with camaraderie and Halloween spirit. Don't forget to bring a flashlight, especially if you're taking a leisurely pace, and enjoy the seasonal treats and refreshments at the water stop along the way. As a special treat, your entry fee provides a coupon for a soft drink or beer at Kicks Bar and Grill, the event's lively
Organiser's Description
The Lake Run Club has hosted Race the Dead for over a decade and fun continues!
Registration Opens in July.
$25 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 $10 ($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 5:55 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 5:55 PM sundown.
Registration Opens in July.
$25 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 $10 ($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 5:55 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 5:55 PM sundown.
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19578 N 1960 East Rd, Towanda, 61776, IL, United States
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