SIUE Cougars Unleashed Homecoming Run & Pancake Breakfast

THIS IS NOT A "MUD" RACE! The 30th Annual Mud Mountain 5K Classic and Mile Fun Run is a unique opportunity for runners of all ages and abilities to get off the roads and pavement and run on a true cross country course, all while helping the Edwardsville Cross Country and Track and Booster Club raise funds for the 2025/2026 seasons. The course being used is a NCAA certified course and is used by both the SIUE Cougars and the EHS Tigers throughout the season. The course is run almost entirely on grass and is as beautiful as it is challenging!

By competiing in Mud Mountain XXX, you will be supporting the EXCTF Booster Club. Our booster club is unique, as it provides support for both boys teams and girls team in cross country and track and field, at not only Edwardsville High School, but Liberty Middle School and Lincoln Middle School as well. In all, the EXCTF Booster Club supports over 500 athletes each year.

We are still trying to work with SIUE on parking. Final parking directions will be sent out before the event. For now, plan that we will have you park at the designated parking lots on University Drive on the SIUE campus. From the parking lots, you will be shuttled by bus to the SIUE Cross Country Course. Only cars with handicaped plates will be allowed to park at the course. Please arrive early to provide additional time for the bus shuttle. Thank you.

Event details and schedule

T Shirts and bib numbers can be picked up at The Cyclery and Fitness Center at 2472 Troy Road in Edwardsville, IL between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, July 24. If you plan on registering at the course on race day, please arrive early. Please be sure to park in the designated parking lots and not at the course. Be sure to arrive in time to be shuttled to the course in time to register, warm up and/or pickup your bib. The 5K race will begin at 8:00 a.m. with the Mile Fun Run to follow.

Join the 5-O 5K Donut Run for a Sweet Cause! 🍩🏃‍♂️

Presented by McLanahan Towing & Collision and Teklab Inc.

Get ready to run, munch, and support a great cause at the 5-O 5K Donut Run, hosted by the Collinsville Police Department for Special Olympics Illinois! This unique and fun event offers three delicious donut stops along the route—where each donut you eat shaves a minute off your time. It’s the perfect blend of fitness, community, and sweetness!

Whether you're a competitive runner or just in it for the donuts, the 5-O 5K promises a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience for everyone. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Illinois, helping to provide life-changing programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

So, come for the run, stay for the donuts, and make a difference in the lives of athletes while enjoying a one-of-a-kind race day! See you at the starting line!

All proceeds will go to beneifiting Special Olympics Illinois

Timing done by Toolen's Running Start

Trophies will be given to the top Female and Male runner. Medals will be given to the top three participants in each age category for female and male.

Event details and schedule

Race Day: Saturday July 25, 2026

Registration and Packet Pick-Up Begins: 6:00AM

(Bring a Photo ID and your registration sheet or confirmation paperwork)

5K Run/Walk Begins: 7:30AM

Race Registrations Received by July 10 at noon will receive a race T-Shirt

Race Registrations After July 10 at noon will NOT receive a race T-Shirt

3 Donut and water stations along the route.

Parking lots nearby include lots at Clay St and Center St, Main St and Seminary St, and 300 blk of W Clay St.

The race course will be the same as previous year.s Prepare yourself. It will start with a few hills, but then flatten out.

The Watershed Endurance 6Hr/3Hr Run is an unique event to challenge an individual’s physical abilities hosted by Final Lap Racing. The event will consist of a 3-hour and 6-hour timed run taking place on the 1 Mile path around the Watershed Nature Center. Participants can run, jog, walk or even take a break in between loops. The event is to see how many miles individuals can complete within the 3 or 6 hours limit. Event is limited to 120 participants. So, how far can you go?

Both distances will end at midnight. Participants will be required to wear a headlamp, waist lamp or carry a light after sunset.

Times

6 HR – Start 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM

3 HR – Start 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Packet Pickup

Early packet pickup – Friday, August 7th - 3:00 PM-6:00 PM at Runwell, 142 N Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025

Race day - 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM in front of the Watershed Nature Center Welcome Center.

In-person registration will be available during Packet Pickup hours on Friday and Race Day

Awards

Male & Female Overall in both races.

Top 2 Male & Female age group winners – 29 & under, 30-30, 40-49, 50-59, 60+ in both races.

Top Male/Female Ruck division winner in both races. Weight minimum - 20lbs for Female and 30lbs for Men. Packs will be weighted during pickup on race day.

*Awards will be based on the number of loops completed AND the fastest finish time within the time limit.

Aid Station

An aid station tent will be setup near the Welcome Center. This will be supplied with water, electrolyte drink, energy gels, fruit, snacks and first aid. There will be no cooked food on-site. Participants are encouraged to provide their own aid during event. Event will be a CUP-FREE event to minimize the trash in the landfills. Restrooms will be available inside the Welcome Center and in parking lot near basketball/sand volleyball courts.

Per City permits - NO grills or open flames allowed on property

Course

The course is a 1.01 Mile loop from the walking path leading to the Welcome Center. The route surface is 50% crushed limestone and 50% pavement.

Course direction changes each year. Even years - Clockwise, Odd years - Counterclockwise

Results

Results will be posted live during the event on the RunSignUp event page. Results will also be posted on UltraSignUp within 24 hours of the conclusion of event.

Live race day results provided by Final Lap Racing.

JJK 5K Run & Walk during the NASCAR Cup Series Weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway

Add to your Labor Day festivities and don't miss the fun and excitement of the 4th annual JJK5K Race on September 7th at World Wide Technology Raceway. This will be the first event of the 2026 Enjoy Illinois 300. This is the fourth annual event honoring our hometown champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee. She has dedicated her life after Olympic competition to supporting the youth of East St. Louis. Please join us for this incredible opportunity to celebrate her accomplishments, welcome to the first event of the 2026 Enjoy Illinois 300 weekend.

There are two events to choose from -- the 5K run or 1.25 mile walk around the oval track.

It will be a unique experience for a great cause! All activities take place throughout the WWTR facilities including the same track NASCAR drivers race for the Enjoy Illinois 300 race. Race proceeds benefit the JJK Foundation – a vital part of the Metro East community supporting many youth programs.

Registration Includes:

• T shirt

• Commemorative event medal

• Free and convenient parking

• Two tickets to the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Race on September 13

• Free downloadable photos for all participants

• Awards for top three finishers in various classes in the 5K

The Italian Fest Committee is excited to host the 5K race and Kids Dash.

5K Course: The course is a flat and fast out & back route finishing on Main St.

Kids Dash: Distance will be a ~1/4 mile out & back on Main St after the 5K. Open to all kids 10 & under. Kids will receive a finishers medal.

Chip timing: Provided by Final Lap Racing

Awards: Top 3 Overall Male and Females and Top 3 in following Age groups: 10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & over.

Early Bib &Shirt Pickup: Friday, September 18th, at Italian Fest on Main Street from 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Race Day Bib &Shirt Pickup: Saturday, September 19th, at Italian Fest on Main Street from 6:30am - 8:00am