Illinois · Saturday, April 4, 2026
The Lake Sara Dam Run 5K, 8 Mile & Half Marathon is a 3.1 miles, 5k, 8 miles, 13.1 miles, half marathon, and running event held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The Tom Short 5k course is run on the beautiful General Dacey Trail, in Shelbyville, Illinois's Forest Park. This race is very unique, challenging and competitive!
Some of the areas elite athletes from colleges and high schools come to take on the difficult course and break the course record set in 2018, a time of 15:29! It's a great race for spectators as you can see the runners from many locations and cheer them on as they finish the race - creating an awesome atmosphere!
Finishing in the Top 10 at the Tom Short 5K is a huge accomplishment and if you do, you will receive an additional Tom Short Race Shirt with your place on it!
If you like being a part of a team, we have an option for team cross country scoring. Form a team of five runners and sign-up on race day for the team competition. After the race has finished we take each of your individual places and add them up for a total team score. We have a Male, Female & Mixed Team Division. The winners of each group will go home with a plaque!
Our post race refreshments are what we are known for and they are FANTASTIC!!!
Popsicles - Chocolate Bars - Chocolate Milk - Cookies - Granola Bars - Fruit - And More!
The refreshments are one of the ways to celebrate a great run and after the awards have been handed out, head to the Shelbyville Family Aquatic Center where we continue the celebration with a post race party at the pool. All participants and their families are welcome to join us and we also host a "BIG SPLASH" event for all ages! If, in your age group, you have the biggest splash, you will win a pair of Tom Short Race Shorts!
The Tom Short 5K Race is one of our favorite events of the year and we want you to be a part of it! We hope to see you on the Trail!
Step into Halloween weekend with a Friday‑night run through historic Vandalia as the Spirits Run Illinois Adventure Series brings its Halloween Eve 5K to The Copper Penny. This twilight event blends small‑town charm, spooky season energy, and the warm glow of one of Vandalia’s favorite local spots.
Runners and walkers will start and finish at The Copper Penny, heading out on a clean, safe 5K route that winds through the heart of Vandalia. Expect crisp fall air, porch lights flickering on, and just enough Halloween atmosphere to set the tone for the weekend.
Every registration includes:
A county‑specific finisher medal designed for Fayette County
A Spirits Run shirt featuring this event’s Halloween Eve theme
A runner cup for your post‑race celebration
Your Fayette County stamp for the Illinois Adventure Series
Entry into the Copper Penny post‑run gathering
Costumes are encouraged but not required—whether you show up as a ghost, a ghoul, or just yourself, you’ll be part of a festive night run that kicks off Halloween in true Spirits Run style.
Join us for a fun, spirited evening as we celebrate Fayette County, local community, and the magic of Halloween Eve at The Copper Penny.