4 running, walking, and fun run events in Machesney Park, Illinois

The 40th Annual Arny Johnson run/walk will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8 am at Zenith Park Way Trail Head (5451 Zenith Pkwy Loves, Park, IL 61111)

The race is the same location as last year, starting and finishing near the Zenith Park Way Trail Head. Both races will go out along Willow Creek Path and into Rock Cut State Park. Corse map down below!

There is a 5k and a 10-mile run/walk. The races will be a gun start all at the same time.

This is a Kid Friendly Race. All 18 and under are $15 (price adjustment at check out.)

There will be three water stops for the 10-mile course. When leaving and re-entering the Willow Creek Path near the dam, you will pass it twice. And near the north entrance to the park where the paved path crosses the road.

RACE CHARITY: Once again, the Fire Department Coffee Foundation will be the charity for the race. They are supporting firefighters who are sick or injured on the job. You can find out more about them here: https://www.firedeptcoffee.com/pages/charity

RACE SWAG: this year we will have several options to pick form so you can chose the swag you want at packet pick up.

AWARDS: Age Group Awards: 8 & under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 and 5-year increments up to 100+

There will be an awards ceremony for just the first-place male and female soon after they finish. All other finishers can check with the awards table to receive their award. (Awards will not be mailed)

Early Packet Pickup: Friday, the 24th of April at Fire Department Coffee from 10 am - 2 pm 811 W Riverside Blvd, Rockford, IL 61103

Race Day Packet Pickup: Saturday, April 25st, from 7:00 am to 7:50 am at Zenith Park Way Trail Head (5451 Zenith Pkwy Loves, Park, IL 61111)

Race Day Sign-up: There will be a race day sign-up, but the price will be $50 for the 5K and $60 for the 10M.

Course Map: HERE

Course Records:

5K - M Lueshen, Charlie 19:43 (set 2025)

5K - W Torres, Deysi 26:06 (set 2025)

10m - M Anderson, Kyle 1:02:49 (set 2025)

10m - WCarlson, Kaylin 1:05:19 (set 2025)

*** Please note: Willow Creek Path is narrow. For runner safety and due to our insurance requirements, we cannot allow strollers or pets.

**$20.00 EARLY BIRD RATE FOR 5K through APRIL 30th - price will increase to $25 May 1st

Race shirt guaranteed through April 30th for 5K and 1 mile

Get your running / walking shoes laced up!! The Harlem Wellness Program is excited to host the 2026 Huskie Hustle 5K Walk or Run, 1 Mile Walk or Run, & Kids Fun Run on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Harlem High School Stadium (Sorry, pets are not allowed in the stadium or on school grounds).

EVENT SCHEDULE

8:00 am - Kick off with National Anthem

8:15 am Line Up / 8:30 am Start - Kids Fun Run (age groups: 4 and under; 5-6; 7-8; 9-10; and 11-12)

8:45 am Line up / 9:00 am - 5K runners/walkers & 1 mile walkers/runners

line up and starting order: 5K runners, 5K walkers & 1 mile walkers/runners

10:15 am - Awards on the track in the Stadium

Walkers - for yours and the runners' safety, please be aware of runners approaching you from behind. Walk towards the sides of the track, running path, keeping the middle of the path open for the runners

RACE SHIRTS

*Included in the registration fee for the 5K Walk/Run & 1 Mile Walk/Run. Guaranteed with completed registration through April 30th.

Additional shirts in various sizes MAY be available after May 1st. Inquire with Diana Disch at [email protected]

*Race shirts are not included with registration for the Kids Fun Run but can be purchased. Orders will be accepted through April 30th so they're available at packet pick-up before the race. Shirts are $10 each in sizes in Youth Medium OR Youth Large. Please contact Diana Disch ([email protected]) to place your order.

PACKET PICK-UP

WHEN: Thursday, May 14th (8:00 AM - 3:30 PM) and Friday, May 15th (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

WHERE: Harlem Administration Center 8605 N. 2nd Street, Machesney Park, IL 61115

WHO:

5K Walkers / Runners - Race bibs with timing chips & race shirts (guaranteed with registration through April 30th)

1 Mile Walkers / Runners - Bibs WITHOUT timing chips & race shirts (guaranteed with registration through April 30th)

Kids Fun Run - Purchased Shirts only

RACE MEDALS & TROPHIES

FINISHER MEDALS for all events (1 per registered participant)

5K Trophies will be awarded for the top 3 overall male and female finisher

5K Medals will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in each age and gender groups:

8+ under; 9-11; 12-14; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70+

Trophies will be awarded for the Most Student & Staff Participation

2025 Winners:

Ralston Elementary - Most Student Participation

Machesney Elementary - Most Staff Particpation

COURSE INFORMATION

The 5K will start on the track at the 50 yard line. Following the first bend of the track, runners/walkers will exit the track on the North side of the field through the double-gated entrance and follow the marked path to parking lot D and then onto Willow Creek path. The turn around will be marked (runners and walkers will NOT be crossing Forest Hills Road), returning to parking lot D, along the front of the high school and re-entering the track on the South side of the field (the single-gated entrance) to the finish line at the 50 yard line where this all started.