5K races near Morton

The Jack-O-Jog begins at the Plum Street and 8th Street parking lot in Marshall, Illinois, with all race options scheduled for an evening start. The Marshall Rotary Club organizes this event as a Halloween-season run for families, children, walkers, and casual runners. Available options include a 1-mile walk, a 5K fun run, and a free Kids Dash for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. The course is straightforward: walkers complete one 1-mile loop, and 5K runners traverse that same loop three times. Children have their own short dash. Costumes are welcome, provided all participants wear athletic shoes. Post-race amenities align with the event's family orientation, featuring goodie bags for Kids Dash participants containing a wearable trick-or-treat safety item, along with medals and shirts for walkers and runners.

The Illinois State University Homecoming Town and Gown 5K begins at the Student Fitness Center in Normal, Illinois, during Homecoming week. This campus-and-community race offers a 5K, an untimed 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, and virtual 5K options. The in-person races start in the morning. Participants should wear Redbird gear. Strollers are permitted, but pets are not. Registration must be completed online before arrival. The 5K course winds through Uptown Normal and around the Illinois State campus. A water stop is provided on the course, with refreshments available afterward for all participants. The Office of Sustainability contributes reusable water bottles and a Zero Waste Crew, aiming to reduce event waste. Awards are presented to the overall male, female, non-binary, and wheelchair winners, along with the top three male and female finishers in age categories from 14 and under to 60 and over. A portion of each paid registration benefits the Marian H. Dean Scholarship, providing the Homecoming run with a direct campus fundraising objective.

Race the Dead is a 5K fun run in Towanda, Illinois, beginning at sundown from Kicks Bar and Grill. It focuses on Halloween-style running, not serious competition: participants are encouraged to dress up, startle other runners, and contend for costume awards, though costumes are not required. The run is not officially timed, but a lit clock at the finish allows runners to view their own time. The route follows an out-and-back path on old Dead Route 66, with luminaries guiding the way and passing Towanda’s historic haunted cemetery. Participants should bring a flashlight, suiting the sundown start and the eerie atmosphere. The single water stop is positioned near the start and finish, allowing runners to visit it twice; it offers water alongside seasonal snacks and drinks. Registration also includes a voucher for a soft drink or beer at Kicks, positioning the event as a community night run rather than a formal road race.

The Storm the Castle 5K Walk/Run is a November 5K held at Richwoods High School in Peoria, Illinois. The start and finish lines are located at The Castle, the school’s soccer field. This is a community race offered annually with options for runners, walkers, and those who wish to purchase only the event shirt. Chip timing is used, and registration is available online. The course leads participants back onto the improved soccer pitch, meaning the finish line is directly connected to the field the race benefits. Proceeds from entry fees support the Richwoods High School Soccer Program and field improvement projects. These projects have funded a leveled and crowned field, a watering system, new grass, team shelters, lighting training walls, stairs, and a concessions building. The event is designed for families and runners alike, with its core purpose being to help the soccer program enhance its home field.

The Redder for Edder Run is a community 3-mile run/walk held at Maxwell Park in Normal, Illinois. It begins at 9 AM with the core purpose of gathering, wearing red, remembering Edder, and supporting his family. The route is a 3-mile run/walk starting at Maxwell Park, open to both runners and walkers. The entry fee is $15 to encourage community participation, and donations are welcome. All proceeds will be given to Edder's family, with a fundraising goal of $10,000. Wearing red is a shared gesture, connecting participants to Edder's memory and his family.

The Chocolate Turkey 3 Mile is a Thanksgiving morning run along the Riverfront, with a 1 Mile Walk offered for those seeking a shorter outing. It is structured as a community holiday event, not solely for serious racers: participants may run, walk, dance, or spectate, and entry fees support Elite Community Outreach. The route remains on the Riverfront, welcoming families and friends before they continue with their holiday plans. The finish line showcases the event's distinct character: the Elite Holiday Choir performs, finishers receive chocolate, participants are given a 3.5-ounce chocolate turkey and a signature shirt, and attendees can linger afterward for hot cocoa and treats. The event also welcomes direct donations for Elite Community Outreach, an organization dedicated to creating pathways out of poverty and fostering hope within the community.

The Spring Stampede trail races are at Wildlife Prairie Park. The course loops on maintenance trails and single track. The 5k is easy, but the 10k is more demanding, especially the second half. Your entry includes park admission; bring the family. Unique awards for overall winners and post-race snacks are provided.

Every step at this community event supports youth in our community, helping Project OZ provide stability, opportunity, and hope for young people facing homelessness. Lace Up for a Cause features an interactive STEAM Quest with quick challenges and activities, perfect for kids, families, and curious minds. Bring your friends!