It's time for Paxton's annual 5K run! Now with electronic signup AND timing! Our race will benefit the Coins for Kids Masonic charity. So come out and run, bring some change for the bucket, and let's have a great race day!
We have some exciting changes this year. Including our all electronic signup and timing, we are going to be able to filter out race results by gender and age group, so everyone can see where they stack up!
Registration will be $35 for early bird registration before May 1st and $40 after May 1st up until race day, July 4th. Race day registration starts at 7:00 AM at Pells Park in Paxton, with the race starting at 8:00. The cutoff to get a t-shirt will be registration by June 19th. The course will remain the same as last year.
New this year!!!
I have expanded the age groups. I am also going 5 deep for the 8hr run age group awards.
We are keeping the 4 hr run or walk option.
Sticking with start time of 7:00 am
Race shirts t-shirts by Headsweats ($10.00)
Return of the Swagbag
In memory of Scott Hathaway
Limited to 250 participants. There will be NO refunds, deferrals, or transfers of division. No exceptions. READ ALL RULES.
COURSE
The race will again follow the original clockwise direction. This means you will be running or walking Up Watermelon Hill. Yes, that means the return of that aid station. Start and Finish at the Laury Barn (Big Red Barn). The course is a 3.25-mile loop through the park. The course is a mix of grass, gravel, and pavement. There is a full aid station around the halfway point of the course and one on top of Watermelon Hill. Runners can and should have their own aid at the start/finish, including crew support.
Events
PACKET PICK UP
Pick up your race packet in the Laury Barn (Big Red Barn). You will receive a swag bag with your bib, and shirt if ordered, as well as some surprises we are working on.
Canopies can be set up on Friday starting at 2 pm.
Friday 8/7/2026: 2:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. preferred packet pick-up time.
Saturday, 8/8/2026, 6:00 A.M. to 6:30 A.M for 8hr participants.
Saturday 8/8/2026, 10:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. for 4hr participants.
Anyone sleeping overnight at the park must check in as a camper and pay the $20 camping fee.
COURSE PREVIEW/ "BABY HOWL 5K"
Friday 8/7/2026: 6:00 P.M.
We will Start a one loop preview of the Howl course for participants and their families/crews. Everyone is welcome! Free event.
RACE
Saturday 8/8/2026: 7:00 A.M.
Howl at the Moon - 8 hr race begins. Starting line near the Red Laury Barn.
Howl at the Moon - 4 hr race begins at 11:00 AM.
You must check in with your assigned scorer (under the tent at the starting line) prior to the start of the race.
RUNNERS:
PACERS are only allowed for the 8 hr race and only after 11 am. One pacer per loop. Pacers must sign a waiver and wear a bib. No pacers on out and backs.
Loops are counted by personal scorers for each age division.
You must check in with your scorer each loop.
YOUR SCORER IS ALWAYS RIGHT.
Runners cannot start a loop after 2:30 P.M.
1/4 Mile out and back course starts at 2:30 pm. run as many as you can before 3:00pm.
WALKERS:
PACERS are only allowed for the 8 hr race and only after 11 am. One pacer per loop. Pacers must sign a waiver and wear a bib. No pacers on out and backs.
Loops are counted by personal scorers.
You must check in with your scorer each loop.
YOUR SCORER IS ALWAYS RIGHT.
Walkers cannot start a loop after 2:15 P.M.
1/4 Mile out and back course starts at 2:15 pm walk as many as you can before 3pm
Walkers must walk at all times. No race-walking.
AWARDS AND AFTER PARTY
8 hr run: Top 3 runners male/female overall . Top 5 runners male/female in each age group. (0-29 ,30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & over). And
4 hr run: Top 3 runners male/female overall. Top runner male/female in each age group (0-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over)
8/4 hr walk: Top 3 walkers male/female overall.
Post race food will be provided for all registered racers. We are working on getting a food truck on site at cost if you need something more to eat or if Family/Friends/Crew are hungry. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate all food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Overnight Camping
Camping is available on Friday & Saturday. $20.00 fee includes both nights. Fee will be donated to the park. YOU MUST PAY THIS FEE EVEN IF YOU ARE SLEEPING IN A VEHICLE. Camping will be first come first serve and you can pay at online registration or at Friday's packet pick up (cash only). Quiet hours are 9:30pm-5:30am. Canopies can be set up Friday after 2 pm at no charge.
The Sweetcorn 5K Classic is a memorial race in honor of Bill Orr, the original creater and director. The Sweetcorn race began in 1978 as a 10K race and was shortened to 5K in 1982.
This years course will start in the heart of downtown Hoopeston at Main and Market. You will run through the mostly shaded neighborhoods of our modest town. Along the way, you will be encouraged and cheered on by locals. Some who have watched this race as spectators for more than a decade!
The conclusion of the Sweetcorn 5K Classic begins a bustling and eventful Saturday, including the Sweetcorn Parade at 10am, the Sweetcorn Festival and an abundance of events and entertainment throughout the day.
Come to Hoopeston, run or walk the 5K (or 1 mile) and enjoy our annual Sweetcorn Festival!
Event details and schedule
82nd National Sweetcorn Festival Presents:
2026 Sweetcorn 5K Classic
and 1 Mile Run/Walk
COURSE & FINISH LINE:
Accurate, residential, heavily shaded
Split times
2 Aid stations
Medical support
Finish line digital clock
Computerized results
Food and refreshments
5K AWARDS:
Overall male and female winners of 5K receive a Race Champion Title belt. Age division awards consist of plaques 3 deep in each division.
1 Mile Fun Run/Walk Awards:
First place winner will receive a Race Champion Title belt. The next 9 finishers receive custom medallions. Non-enscribed medals for all other participants.
Little Corn Eaters Run For Fun
A short distance run for children 6 years and younger!
RACE DAY REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN:
6:30 A.M. to 7:30 A.M. at the Downtown City Lot, 209 S. Market St. Hoopeston, IL
1 Mile Fun Run/Walk begins at 7:30 A.M.
5K Race begins at 8 A.M.
Little Corn Eaters Run for Fun begins at the conclusion of the 5K Race, approximately at 8:45 A.M.
Presentation of awards, approximately at 9 A.M.
46th Annual Wild Wild Wilderness Est. 1981
📝 Race Day Registration
Race day sign-ups are available onsite from 8:00 to 8:45
AM.
💵 Cost: $40 (5K) or $50 (7.45 Mile) — please make checks payable to KRR.
👕 Race day registration does not include a race shirt or sweatshirt.
🎽 Packet Pickup:
Packet will include your bib, shirt and pins and can be picked up on race day from 8:00 am to 8:45 am. The location for pickup is at Kickapoo State Park Maintenance Building.
📍 Location:
Kickapoo State Recreation Area Take I-74 to exit 210 and follow the signs to the park. Address is: 10906 Kickapoo Park Rd, Oakwood IL 61858.
🕐 Race Time Limit: None just have fun
⏰ Start Times:
5K: 9:15
7.45 Mile: 9:00
🏞️Course Overview:
The 7.45 mile course is 95% trail, and heads east out of the park before turning into the woods, where the adventure really begins. You will climb and descend steep hills, cross creeks and bridges, and if you are lucky, see some dee and other wildlife. This is a scenic and challenging run.
⛑⛑️ Aid Stations:
There will be one aid station approximately 2 miles into the course and another right after 4 miles. The aid stations will be supplied with liquid hydration.
Race Day Regulation Reminders:
🚫 NO BANDITS · NO RADIOS or HEADPHONES· NO STROLLERS · NO DOGS
📬 NO AWARDS OR SHIRTS MAILED
❌ NO REFUNDS OR BIB TRANSFERS
🎉 MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN DRAWING
🏕️ Camping Update
Kickapoo has two major campgrounds for tent and trailer camping with 184 sites. About half of the sites have electrical hookups. Two shower buildings and a sanitary dump station are available. A limited number of walk in sites are available for primitive campers, but several campsites can be reserved by writing the site or by applying in person. For more information go to: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.kickapoo.html or call 217-442-4915
It’s time to conquer the Badlands Off Road Spartans! With 1,200 acres of rugged terrain, this course is an off-road adventure like no other. You’ll charge through sand dunes, rocky paths, thick forests, and splash through creek beds. From mud-soaked burpees to leg-burning climbs, this wild Midwest challenge will test your limits. Get ready to embrace nature at its toughest.
🍂 FALL FRENZY 2025 🍂
Free Members-Only Event — and the perfect excuse to become a KRR member if you haven’t yet!
📍 Location: Kennekuk County Park – White Oak Barn
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
✅ Check-In: Starts promptly at 2:00 PM — but feel free to roll in when you're ready to join the fun!
This year’s challenge? A Scavenger Hunt designed for you to enjoy the best of fall in the park while spending time with your KRR family that’s part trail trek, part brain teaser and 100% fall-tastic. 🍁🧠
🎯 Here’s how it works:
Choose any of the below stunning three trails — complete them in any order you wish.
At the turnaround point of each trail, you will be greeted with your entry to 1 of 3 drawings, bring it back, place it in the designated basket & you are in! The prizes involve a bunch of orange, KRR fanwear of course & very important to all of us, the best way to carry your favorite beverage!
Bring your entry back to the barn to enter the prize drawing for that trail, drawings will start at 5pm.
Complete all three trails for triple the chances to win these seriously cool prizes!
🗺️ Trail #1 – Hidden Valley Out and Back
🗺️ Trail #2 – River Bluff Out and Back
🗺️ Trail #3 – Lookout Point Out and Back
Whether collecting memories or just soaking up the autumn vibes with fellow KRR members, this event is all about connection, adventure, and a little friendly competition.
Not a member yet? Join today and get in on the action — because Fall Frenzy is too good to miss.
10th Annual Veteran's Day 5K Fundraiser for the American Legion Post 210.
Registration: Online Registration is available until November 6th
Race Day Registration: 9:30 am to 10:30 am PRICE INCREASE $30 for the Race ONLY
Packet Pickup: You can pick up your packet which includes your race bib and shirt (if you ordered one) on race day at the legion from 9:00am to 10:30 am
Race Day T-Shirt: No holds on shirts if you do not pick-up prior to the race start. No exceptions! Shirts will be available for sale and order on race day.
No refunds or transfers on this fundraising event
Order of Events
PreRace: Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem (Kayla Officer) followed by send off presented by the American Legion Post 210 Honor Guard
Race Start Time: Saturday November 8th at 11:00 am
Course: This 5K course is full of surprises. This 5k course starts at the legion and heads north in a loop around the residential neighborhood and ends right back at the legion. The course somewhat flat but has some fun hills for a bit a a challenge. Nothing too serious. (LOL) You can run, walk, jog, flip or roll with a stroller. No pet allowed for liability reasons.
Finisher Awards: TBD
Fundraiser: Funds raised from this event helps with many programs in the American Legion. In the past we have used these funds to help local veterans with, clothing, food, blessing bags and so much more. Funds raised also help with building improvement funds like updating the handicapped restrooms. All this is possible with your help and participation.
After Party: The legion opens with refreshment services at 10:00 for this event. There will be free chili and desserts after the race so make sure you stick around. There will be a silent auction along with a 50/50.
Guest Speaker: Gateway Family Service - Hunter Lafave
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A Kennekuk Members Only Event - MEET THE BACKPACK TRAIL
TRAIL:
One of the most difficult in this part of the Midwest. Plenty of sheer beauty, and you could very easily get wet & muddy. Everything a trail runner could want. There is even a long stair climb. You will see things on this trail you won't see on other trails in the area. You CAN NOT run this trail alone if it is your first time. We would have to send out the bloodhounds!
DIRECTIONS: Going South on Route 1 to Westville, turn left on East Main Street at the stoplight. You will see Julee's Shooting Star Tavern on the right (northwest comer). Follow the road for 7 .2 miles to the Forest Glen entrance. Tum left into the park and follow the road to the Maple Grove Lodge.
PARTY: NEW LOCATION !! The party is at the Maple Grove Lodge. This will be a potluck style meal with beverages. Further details will be posted on the KRR Facebook page.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD? DUMB, DUMB QUESTION. WE'RE KRR! WE DON'T CARE! WE'RE TRAIL RUNNERS!
WE MUST KNOW IF YOU ARE COMING SO WE HAVE ENOUGH -- SO SIGN UP TODAY