After moving to the Dixon area in 2005; I made a goal to participate in the Reagan run. However, every year I would find an excuse to skip the race. This tradition continued for 17 years until finally in 2022 I decide to participate. My daughter Gabrielle (Brie) was 10 at the time and was…

When summer arrives in Dixon, Illinois, one of the most anticipated events of the season is the Reagan Run 5K. Each year, runners and walkers from near and far gather to test their endurance in this 3.1-mile race, beginning at the historic Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home. It’s a well-known tradition that draws large crowds and…

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…

By Terry Cleary One day in downtown Dixon I was on a walk with my dog, Holly Mae. We stopped into Stone Bridge Running to browse, and I was asked if I was interested in writing about the Reagan Run. I was honored and pleasantly surprised for the opportunity. After losing my dog, Maisey, my…

On the morning of Saturday, July 5, 2025, the streets of Dixon, Illinois will come alive with energy and excitement as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Reagan Run 5K. Held in harmony with the city’s beloved Petunia Festival, this milestone event continues to honor its original mission: promoting family-friendly fitness, supporting meaningful causes,…

Every summer, dozens of young runners lace up their sneakers and set off on a journey that’s about much more than just crossing a finish line. The Dixon Family YMCA’s Kids Just Wanna Reagan Run 5K training program, led by certified running coach Katie Matteson, offers children in grades 1 through 6 the opportunity to train,…

The Reagan Run 5K Committee is offering six (6) $500 Scholarships, three male and three female, for students who were continuing their post-secondary education at a 2-year college, 4-year college/university or trade school.  This is a one-year, one-time scholarship. The scholarships are available to any high school seniors who are graduating in 2025 and reside…