Race the Dead
Fri, Oct 30, 2026, 5:53 PM CDT
- Location
- Towanda, IL
- 19578 N 1960 East Rd, 61776
- Type
- RUN
Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.
At a glance
A spooky, untimed 5K fun run on Halloween eve, featuring costumes, luminaries, and a haunted cemetery.
- Fun
- Scenic
- Quirky
- Festive
Fun
Scenic
Quirky
FestiveEmbrace the spirit of Halloween at Race the Dead, a unique 5K fun run in Towanda. This untimed event invites you to don your favorite costume and enjoy a flat course lined with scenic luminaries along old Route 66. You'll pass the historic haunted Towanda cemetery, adding to the spooky charm. The experience concludes with refreshments and a complimentary drink at Kicks Bar and Grill, making it a festive evening for all.
What to expect
Run a flat 5K course at sundown, lit by scenic luminaries.Run past the historic haunted Towanda cemetery.Enjoy a water stop with seasonal treats and a post-race drink at Kicks Bar and Grill.
Standout details
- Halloween costumes encouraged
- Run past a historic haunted cemetery
- Luminaries light the "Dead" RT 66 course
- Post-race drink at Kicks Bar and Grill
Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.
Distances & registration
2 optionsRegistration for all distances is through the official signup link above.
- 3.1 Miles
Fri, Oct 30, 5:53 PM CDT · From $22.20
Opens Sep 2, 2026, 8:00 PM CDT · Closes Oct 16, 2026, 7:59 PM CDT
- 3.1 Miles
Fri, Oct 30, 5:53 PM CDT · From $9.48
Opens Sep 2, 2026, 8:00 PM CDT · Closes Oct 30, 2026, 1:59 PM CDT
Vibe Check
Easygoing
EasygoingThe course
- Flat
- Timed race
From the organizer
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 kirby_j_cheek@msn.com or call 309 533-8689. Leave a message and we will call you back.
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