Illinois · Saturday, March 7, 2026
The Cactus Classic Trail Races is a 10k, half marathon, and trail running event held on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
The Big Horse 5k hosted by Gut Check Fitness is part trail and mud run with a healthy dose of Mother Nature’s obstacles mixed in for fun. You’ll also find some hills, hollers, streams, ponds and lots of HIGH-FIVES. Everyone can do it as long as you have the drive and determination to keep going, not quit and in the words of Joe Dirt, “keep on keepin’ on.“ Be sure to grab your family, friends, coworkers and come join us for one of the most enjoyable events in Central Illinois on the amazing Big Horse Vineyards.
Registration includes:
Finisher's Medal
FREE Wine Tasting
FREE Parking
New friends and good times
What more can you ask for?!
The 2-mile event is now officially an untimed fun run/walk and kicks off just ahead of the 10K runners. We will begin the festivities at 7:00am and send off the 2-milers at 7:15am, followed by the 10k runners at 7:30am. This will allow for less congestion throughout the race, at the split, and most importantly at the finish line! The flat course runs through town to the outskirts of Morton and then finishes on Jefferson Street, in the heart of the Pumpkin Festival.
The 2-mile fun run/walk welcomes old, young, short, tall, strollers, and wheelchairs. No roller blades or pets (yes, unfortunately including dogs) allowed in either event.
After the race, participants are invited to join us at the Post Race Party for beverages, snacks, our famous pumpkin donuts, music, and a fun area to hang out with fellow racers and family members. There will be an awards ceremony at approximately 9:00am. Don't forget your bib has a "tear off coupon" for a FREE breakfast at the Pumpkin Pancake & Sausage Breakfast at the main food tent right after the race!
Awards
All 10K finishers will receive a pumpkin finisher’s medal
Top overall winner for the 10K Men's and Women's Divisions will receive $50 in Morton Chamber Checks.
The Top 3 Men and Women in each age group (10K) receive a pumpkin pie! Age Groups are as follows: 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+
The 2-mile FUN Run/Walk does not have any prizes, but includes the post-race party and the Pumpkin Pancake & Sausage breakfast!
Race Weekend Schedule
Friday 4:00PM - 8:00PM - Packet Pickup is located at The KILN @ Morton Junior High School.
Saturday Beginning at 6:00AM - Limited Packet Pickup in the 200 block of North First Avenue (near the start line)
Saturday 7:00AM - Announcements
Saturday 7:15AM - 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk START
Saturday 7:30AM - 10K START
Done Running & Walking? Post-Race Party & Awards Ceremony @ Corner of Jefferson and 1st!
Red Sneakers For Food Allergy Awareness Walk/Run allows us to educate, spread awareness, and come together as an allergy community. The event includes Teal Pumpkin activities and education to help create allergy awareness and make the event family-friendly. Red Sneakers Peoria: Recent Impact Highlights * Equipped 100 Peoria police officers with life-saving epinephrine auto-injectors * Partnered with 3 restaurants in Peoria Heights now carrying epinephrine and promoting allergy-safe dining * Trained educators at early learning centers to recognize and respond to allergic reactions and donated epinephrine * Expanded allergy-safe zones at major community events, including the Peoria Civic Center and the Peoria Chiefs. Both now have life-saving epinephrine. * Installed an allergy-friendly playground sign in Peoria Heights to raise awareness and promote inclusive play. * Secured media coverage to amplify our mission and educate the public Together, we’re building a safer, more inclusive
Peoria—one partnership, one training, one life-saving dose at a time. Put on your Red Sneakers, join the walk/run, and grab your teal pumpkin! Together, we’re raising funds and awareness to protect those with food allergies. Every step you take brings us closer to a safer, stronger community. Registration and check-in starts at 8:30am Guest Speaker starts at 8:45am Race starts at 9:00am Free Fall Festival to follow T-Shirt Included With Registration- Our shirts are critical to helping us spread food allergy awareness. YOUTH DISCOUNT Kids 12 and Under Register for $10 Less. Price Automatically Discounted at Checkout Virtual Options Participate from anywhere or add biking & swimming to your in-person run to make it a duathlon or triathlon. Virtual participants and duathlon or triathlon participants please post your event results on race roster and our social media prior to race announcement to qualify for prizes If you have any questions or concerns with registration or donation please
contact Race Roster at 1(855) 969 5515 or email [email protected] PLEASE BRING OLD/EXPIRED EPINEPHRINE INJECTORS. WE USE THEM FOR TRAININGS This event occurs rain or shine. No dogs.
14th Annual Storm the Castle 5K Walk/Run
Saturday, November 15th @ 9:00 AM
Chip Timing & Online Registration option
Sign up Online @ runsignup.com/Race/IL/Peoria/StormtheCastle5KWalkRun
Join us at the Castle for this Traditional and Fun Event for Families and Runners!
Proceeds benefit the Richwoods High School Soccer Program and Field Improvement Projects.
This event features a 5K walk/run beginning and finishing at The Castle (our soccer field). The generous support over the last eleven races have allowed us to complete major field upgrades so our course will be finishing on the upgraded pitch. The field has been leveled and crowned, a watering system installed and new grass. We have added team shelters, lighting training walls, stairs and a new concessions building. Your support will allow the program to continue moving forward to bring the facilities up to a standard on par with our guests and competitors. It will also give the Richwoods players a home field to be proud to defend.
Packet pickup is scheduled for Friday, November 14th between 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm and on Race Day between 7:00 AM-8:30 AM in the Richwoods High School Cafeteria (Please go to the back entrance of the school, by the practice football field).