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!
Race Morning Schedule:
Check in by 7:30AM
10K starts at 8:00AM
5K starts at 8:15AM
Course: 10,000 Meters (6.2 miles) on brick and hard surfaces through and north of Arcola. Finish downtown Arcola. 5,000 meters (3.1 miles), all in town. Police escort; aid stations; split times. To ensure the safety of all runners and walkers:
Bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, leashed or unleashed animals will not be allowed on race course. Baby joggers or strollers are allowed for walkers only and must begin behind walkers.
Saturday, September 12th, 2026
10 AM at Sand Creek Conservation District
This trail race consists of fast rolling terrain located in the Sand Creek Trails of the Macon County Conservation District.
Details:
Race day event: 4.4 and 7.6 mile race options available
Time: 10 AM race start with post-race celebration
$35/40 entry fee includes unique long sleeve technical shirt, FINISHER MEDAL, and post race fun and snacks.
Must register by Sept.1st to be guaranteed a shirt.
All in person race participants will be entered to win prize packages from local businesses.
Prizes for overall male and female, and age groups.
Race profits will benefit Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Special Operations Warrior Foundation was formed to aid the children of our nation’s fallen soldiers.
Run route: Enjoy the beautiful fast rolling terrain through this local Conservation District located on the south end of town.
Virtual Participants: We strongly encourage running your virtual miles at Sand Creek Conservation District. Packet pick up info remains the same.
Packet pickup:
Friday, 9/11,TBA
Saturday, 9/12 at Sand Creek Conservation District, 9-9:30 am
You can register ONLINE during packet pick up WHILE SPACE ALLOWS (race swag is not guaranteed at late registration)
ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY
CHECK OUT OUR SAND CREEK SWAG STORE HERE!
A big shout out to: Kenney's Ace Hardware, Best Friends Distillery, Decatur Conservation, SpeedLube, Rockwell, Decatur Running Club, Perfectly Protein, The Bloom Room, Decatur Coffee Connection and so many more for helping making the 2025 race happen. 2026 Sponsors coming soon!
STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES, NEW SPONSORS, CHIP TIMING AND MORE FOR 2026!
Business and Individual sponsorships are in great need. If you are interested in sponsoring this event please reach out to [email protected]. All sponsorships and donations are tax deductible and will go towards fees associated with registration, timing costs, shirts, awards, post-race celebration snacks and supplies. Race profits will benefit Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Special Operations Warrior Foundation was formed to aid the children of our nation’s fallen soldiers.
The DRC Shoreline Classic is the premier Road Race in downstate Illinois. This event draws runners and spectators from across the state of Illinois. The race provides both a competitive and recreational event for athletes while promoting the value of living a healthy lifestyle. Both the USATF Certified 5K and 15K races are run along the shores of beautiful Lake Decatur in a colorful fall setting. The 5K race offers runners a fast course, while the 15K features a rolling terrain. The tot trots are a great way to involve our young runners while promoting Shoreline as a family event.
50th Annual Turkey Trot - Fairview Park Decatur, IL 9 a.m., November 22nd
Enter the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or 1/2 mile Turkey Tot Trot in Fairview Park! Tot Trot includes a T-shirt and participation prizes (ages 12 and Under). 5K, 10K, and Half races include computerized results and 3-deep awards per age group. Register by November 2 to guarantee long-sleeved shirt. No shirt orders will be made after this date. Late-Registrations can be submitted online at Runsignup.com until November 14. After November 14th you can only sign up at the pavilion the morning of the race. We are asking all Half Marathon runners to be competitive and are aiming to end all running by 12 noon. This race has been graciously sponsored by ADM and Fleet Feet Decatur. Everyone who completes the Half Marathon in Fairview Park will receive a surprise gift! We will have the Rockwell Coffee Truck on site for the race.
PACKET PICK-UP UPDATE: 11/21/2025 - Fairview Park Pavilion #1 Decatur IL 4p-6:30p
RACE INFO:
Time: 7:30- 8:15 a.m. - Check-in
8:30 a.m. - Tot Trot; 9 a.m. - Race
Location: Fairview Park Pavilion #1
Fee: $35 ($40 on race day, Cash Only);
Tot Trot $25 ($30 on race day, Cash Only)
No Refunds will be given, this is a rain or shine event.