Ready, Set, Run! Reagan Kids’ Fun Run and 5K Return to Dixon
Mark your calendars—Saturday, July 6th is shaping up to be a big morning in Dixon! The much-anticipated Reagan Run 5K kicks off at 8:00 a.m. and is preceded by the Reagan Kids’ Fun Run at 7:30 a.m., setting the pace for a day full of excitement and hometown pride.
Now in its 24th year, the Kids’ Fun Run first launched in 2001 as an event to introduce young children to the joy of running. Over the years, the race has inspired many participants to take the next step by joining the Kids Just Wanna Reagan Run 5K training program – setting goals, training hard, and completing the full 3.1-mile Reagan Run distance. The very first Kids’ Fun Run welcomed 126 young runners, with 108 crossing the finish line. Since then, the race has grown into a celebrated tradition, bringing families and community together year after year.
The Fun Run is open to kids nine years old and, best of all, it’s free. The race begins at 7:30 a.m. at the corner of 8th and Hennepin, next to the historic Reagan Home. This year’s celebrity starter, Dani Lovett will lead warmups and pump up the excitement before the race begins. The kids will proudly wear their race numbers, eager and ready to follow a pace car through the streets in a fun, family-friendly environment. With safety as a top priority, parents and strollers are encouraged to join in the run.
The course spans 0.6 miles through Dixon’s crowd-filled streets, ending at Haymarket Square, where cheering fans, colorful flags, bubbles, and a festive blow-up arch await. Along the route you’ll see motivational chalk messages and at the finish, every participant is celebrated with medals, goodie bags, and refreshments. Organizers add new surprises each year to make the event even more memorable.
Early registration is encouraged—especially since the first 100 registrants will receive a free T-shirt! With over 200 kids running last year, the Fun Run continues to grow, promoting health, fitness, and community spirit, while inspiring the next generation of young runners in Dixon.
You’ll find Deb Trancoso, the event organizer, at the finish line with her dedicated team of volunteers, including friends, coworkers from BorgWarner, the Dixon High School Volleyball team, and of course our other loyal sponsors: Advance EMS of Dixon, Boss Carpet One, OSF Hospital, Exceptional Dentistry, Grot Imaging Studios, First National Bank of Amboy, BorgWarner Dixon, Rock River Endodontics, and Dixon Family YMCA. The race would not be possible without their ongoing support. For more information about the race, visit the event website, www.reaganrun.com, or call Deb at 815.535.8141. You won’t want to miss this family-friendly, community event during the Petunia Fest weekend!