Illinois State Fair Parade Run 2025 for In-Person and Virtual Participants

 

When does on-line registration open?

 

 

Refunds

There are no refunds.  If this race cannot be held as planned, all registrants will be converted to the Virtual Race option.

 

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In-Person ONLY Race Information

 

When does on-line registration close?

On-line registration closes on race day (August 7, 2025) at 4:45 pm US/Central 

 

I registered after the shirt guarantee deadline, can I still get a shirt?

To GUARANTEE a shirt, you MUST register before the deadline of July xxx, 2025, at 11:59 pm US/Central.  A small number of additional shirts will be available in the online inventory on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.  Registration will remain open until race day; once shirt supply is exhausted; participants will need to select “None” when prompted for shirt size.

 

Shipping Options

There are no shipping options for those participating in the live race.

 

Packet Pick-up

August 6 from 3:30-6:00 p.m. at the Springfield Running Center, 2943 West White Oaks Drive, Springfield, IL OR you are welcome to have someone else pick up your packet for you if cannot make it.

 

Do I have to pay to get into the fair?

Admission tickets will be distributed with race packets on Wednesday, August 6; participants who are unable to pick up packets on Wednesday are responsible for their own admission to the fairgrounds on Thursday.

 

Are there medals for this race?

Sorry, no medals, BUT we will have age group awards for the in-person participants.  

 

Where does the race start?

The starting line is on Main Street right outside the Village of Cultures (formerly Ethnic Village). Participants will exit the main gates and head west on Sangamon Avenue to Lincoln Park.  The turnaround is in Lincoln Park where participants will return along the Illinois State Fair Parade route back to the start/finish line. 

 

Where do we park?

Parking is not included with race registration fees.  Parking is available in any of the public areas surrounding the fairgrounds at each participant’s expense.

 

Can I walk it?

Yes, as long as you can maintain a 17 minute pace per mile. We have time restrictions due to the parade start time.

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Can I run with my dog?

No.  While we love our furry friends, unfortunately our liability insurance prohibits allowing them to run with you.

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Post-Race:

 

Where are the post-race refreshments and awards?

Head to the Village of Cultures (formerly Ethnic Village) immediately following the race for food, drink, and awards!

 

Will there be awards?

For all in-person participants, awards will be given to the top 3 male and female overall, the top 3 in each age division (5-year increments starting at 14 and under), and the overall male and female in the Master's category.

 

Virtual Race ONLY Information

 

When does on-line registration close?

To GUARANTEE a shirt, you MUST register before the deadline of July xxxth, 2025 at 11:59 pm US/Central.  A small number of additional shirts will be available in the online inventory on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.  Registration will remain open until race day; once shirt supply is exhausted; participants will need to select “None” when prompted for shirt size.

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How do I get my guaranteed race shirts?

If you would prefer to have your packet shipped directly, you may purchase the shipping option during registration and the packet will shipped by mail AFTER the race.  Otherwise, you may pick-up your packet on August 6, 2024 from 3:30-6:00 p.m. at the Springfield Running Center, 2943 West White Oaks Drive, Springfield, IL OR You are welcome to have someone else pick up your packet for you if cannot make it.  

 

Do I have to run the official race course?

Run or walk your two miles wherever you choose!

 

How do I submit my virtual race time?
- Beginning on race day you will be able to submit your time on this page (click on this year's results):  
https://runsignup.com/Race/ParadeRun/Page/RaceResults 
- By your name, click EDIT TIME.  
- You can submit results for one week after the race date.

Race packets for virtual participants will be available for pickup on August 6.  However, there is also a shipping option available for a $10 fee for virtual participants. You may purchase this option during registration if you want your packet shipped by mail.  Packets will be shipped AFTER the race. There is no shipping option for those participating in the live race.   

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Will virtual participants be listed in the race results and receive awards?

Virtual participants will appear in the race results but are NOT eligible for age group awards.

 

Who can I direct questions to?

Feel free to email ilstatefairparaderun@gmail.com with questions regarding the Parade Run.

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