Illinois State University Homecoming Town and Gown 5K
Oct 24Normal, IL5K, 1 mi
6 mi from Race the Dead, 1 week before Race the Dead, registration open
Aid stations, cutoffs and pacing in one plan, with the timeline your crew follows. Crew invites and race-day updates come with a Race Pass.
Build my planRegistration 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 kirby_j_cheek@msn.com or call 309 533-8689. Leave a message and we will call you back.
Registration opens
Jul 3, 2026
Standard ends
Oct 17, 2026
Registration closes
Oct 30, 2026
Race day
Oct 30, 2026
Standard ends
Oct 30, 2026
Race The Dead - With Shirt
Standard, until Oct 17, 2026
$25
Race The Dead - No Shirt
Standard, until Oct 30, 2026
$10
Registration openings and major changes, like a new date or a cancellation.
Can't race, or need an entry? Post it here so nobody has to ask if it's still available.
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Build your aid station plan, organize your crew, and dial in your nutrition strategy. Everything you need to finish strong.
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