Insane Candy Cane 5K Run/Walk

JOIN OUR PACK!

Every year, thousands of dogs, cats, small mammals and wildlife count on Anderson Humane for a second chance. We work tirelessly to provide life-changing care and support these animals with food, shelter, medical care, and most importantly, the love and respect they deserve. In 2024 we rescued 4000+ domestic and 3000+ wild animals. Our Walk4Animals & 5K helps us continue our commitment to creating a more humane world for animals and the people who love them.

Now you can BE PART OF THE MISSION! Join the purple wave by running in our 5K. Or bring your dog & help make Walk4Animals, a 1.65-mile walk around the Batavia Riverwalk, Anderson Humane's largest fundraiser. The 5K is a timed event. The 1.65 mile Walk is not timed.

Every dollar raised for Walk4Animals ensures Anderson Humane has the resources to care for and protect every animal that comes through our doors. Please consider giving what you can — either through a donation or by joining us and helping us raise money for this important cause.

Walkers: Raise $100 and earn the official 2026 W4A & 5K t-shirt! T-Shirt included in 5K registration.

Your support today will help make second chances possible for the animals that need us most. Together, we can make happy new beginnings possible! Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Don't forget to wear your purple!

5K Day-of Registration is $60.

Pre-race packet pick-up will be announced shortly. Day of packet pickup opens 6:45 a.m. on race day.

Walk4Animals & 5K Begins/Ends at: Batavia Riverwalk, 100 N. Island Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510

Want to magnify your fundraising or thinking of starting a team? Check out our Team Leader Quick Start Guide.

UNABLE TO ATTEND?

No worries! Walk or run in your own neighborhood on Walk Day or stay home and gather donations to help Anderson Humane. Or don't walk at all and consider donating to a team or participant.

5K AWARDS

Medals will be awarded to the 1st & 2nd Men & Women 5K participants in these categories:

14 & Under, 15-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65 and over

This early season event is the perfect opportunity for youth and adult athletes to start the multisport season with a fun, low-cost swim / run event.

Distances

Junior (age 6 -10) 100 meter swim; 1 kilometer run

Senior (age 11 – 17) 200 meter swim; 2 kilometer run (1.24 miles)

Adult (18 and over) 300 meter swim; 2 mile run

Age Determination

Age is determined by the age of your athlete on race day. If you are 15 years old on race day, you will race in the 15 year old age group.

Swim Detail

The Junior swim will be done in a “snake” fashion with each swimmer swimming one length in each lane (a total of 2 lengths in a 50 meter pool). There will be lifeguards on duty as well as volunteers to make sure each swimmer completes the course in a safe manner. Please ensure that your athlete is able to swim so that they have a good experience at the event. Swimmers will be starting the course one at a time at 10-second intervals. Swimmers will be allowed to pass another swimmer. The Senior racers will also snake swim and will do a total of 4 lengths in a 50 meter pool. Adult racers will snake swim a total of 6 lengths in the 50 meter pool.

Transition Detail

Athletes will be able to change into their socks, shoes, etc. in the contained grassy area outside of the pool entrance. Junior and senior competitors should feel free to place their belongings in one of the spots provided upon arriving. Adults can place their belongings in the transition area after the junior and senior events are complete.

Run Detail

Volunteers and an aid station with water will be available on the course.

Location

Norris Center, St Charles, IL

Participants Receive

Professional Timing, Finisher medals, swim caps, age group winner recognition, refreshments and raffle.

USA Triathlon Membership required

Youth: $10 license fee good for one year

Cost

$27 for registrations by April 12th

$35 for registrations after April 12th

Packet Pick Up / Race Day Registration

Race Day – 9:45am to 10:45am. Transition opens at 9:45am.

Award Age Groups

Separated by gender

6 – 8 age group

9 – 10 age group

11 – 12 age group

13 – 14 age group

15 – 17 age group

18 – 24 age group

25 – 34 age group

35 – 44 age group

45 – 54 age group

55 – 64 age group

65+ age group

Timing and Results

This race is chip timed by It’s Race Time, Inc. Results will be available live during event: https://runsignup.com/Race/MMTTSplashDash/Page/RaceResults

Join us for the annual Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k! A run local-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.

The fun includes -

• Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal

• Chip-timing with live results and awards

• Pacers for the half marathon

• Free photos

• Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line

• Plenty of fun!

Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!

Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!

*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $17!

• Half Marathon Registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 5k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)

*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!