6 running, ultra, and walking events in Charleston, Illinois

Join us at The Uptowner for the Coles County stop on the Spirits Run • Illinois Adventure Series — a statewide challenge to complete a 5K in all 102 Illinois counties. Charleston brings a perfect blend of historic downtown charm, college‑town energy, and a unique Viking‑ship vibe straight from The Uptowner’s iconic window display.

This untimed, community‑focused 5K begins and ends at The Uptowner. Runners and walkers will follow a simple, sidewalk‑safe out‑and‑back route with a peaceful turnaround at Roselawn Cemetery, creating a signature Spirits Run moment before returning downtown for the celebration.

Get out your running shoes and bring the whole family to Races for All Paces on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Eastern Illinois University’s O’Brien Stadium. This family-friendly event offers something for every fitness level, including a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, 5K, 10K, Toddler Trot, and Diaper Dash. Enjoy fun activities for all ages. All 1-Mile, 5K, and 10K participants receive a medal, with age-group awards for the 5K and 10K. Register by May 16, 2026, to guarantee your free T-shirt.

Please note: Only animals trained to assist the disabled are allowed on EIU campus.

Family Ride 8th, 9th & 10th Street in Charleston, IL.

3 race routes: 12.5 miles, 25 miles, and 50 miles.

Timed Rides – Overall winner in each race; there will be a male and female plus first and second place awards for all age divisions.

Scenic routes throughout Charleston and the surrounding central Illinois countryside.

Timing chips, and Tour de Charleston towel for all participants.

Food (Banana) and water stations along race route.

No gasoline-powered motorized bikes are allowed.

Battery assisted electric bikes known as E-Bikes are allowed. E-Bike participants are ineligible for medals.

Beer Garden (grass area) at Mike & Stan’s with a live band presented by The Chamber: Absent Ground from 12:30 am - 2:30 pm (weather permitting)

Mike & Stan's: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=mike%20%26%20stan%27s

Absent Ground; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094257376325

Local Restaurants having lunch specials: Juanito's Bar & Grill, Wb's Pub and Grub & Roc's Blackfront Tavern & Grill.

Juanito's https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091305152616

WB's Pub and Grill https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057104536026

Roc's Blackfront Tavern & Grill https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=roc%27s%20blackfront%20tavern%20%26%20grill

Grab a Meal to go and meet us at Mike & Stan's Beer Garden with picnic tables. Bring your lawn chairs.

Check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonAreaChamber for other activities in and around our area. Spend the weekend with us in Coles County.

Refunds will be considered but not promised up until one week before the race.

Course

If you would like to view the course routes, you can see them here:

50 Mile: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52452402

25 Mile: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40187827

12.5 Mile: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39947964

Age groups for awards

18 and under

19 to 29

30 to 39

40 to 49

50 to 59

60 to 69

70 and over

Packet Pickup

Friday, September 26th, at the Charleston Chamber 9 am- 6 pm and

Saturday, September 27th, in the lobby of City Hall 7 am to 8:30 am