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Run the Rails

Presented by the Elburn Parks Commission

Run the Rails - Elburn, IL

Presented by Elburn Parks Commission

4-MILE RUN 7-MILE RUN 1-MILE FUN RUN

Run the Rails is a fun race experience benefiting the Elburn Parks Commission on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026.

We will host a 1-mile fun run/walk, a 4-mile run and a 7-mile run. All races start and finish at Prairie Park (3rd and North Street near the library), Elburn, IL.

Unique to our event is a 1 mile fun run, 4 mile run and 7 mile run. Courses cross the Union Pacific West rail line via the Anderson Road bridge, offering a stunning view of Elburn and the surrounding countryside.

IN ORDER TO GUARANTEE A TANK TOP AT PACKET PICKUP - YOU MUST REGISTER BY AUGUST 11 AND CHOOSE THE OPTION.

Racerbacks/Tanks for 2025 are below. For 2026 we will decide on a color at a later date. Register by August 11th to guarantee one.

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We are always looking for sponsors. If you would like to sponsor the race click here.

Registration fees

Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees

1 Mile Fun Run

Price changes in 7 months 6 days

  • 1 Mile Fun Run - All participants will receive some kind of medal when they cross the finish line

    1. $5.00

      Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale

      Nov 28 – Dec 9
    2. $7.00

      Early Bird Pricing

      Now registering Dec 10 – Jul 21
      Register for 1 Mile Fun Run
    3. $10.00
      Jul 22 – Aug 19

4 Mile

Price changes in 7 months 6 days

  • 4 Mile Run

    1. $25.00

      Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale

      Nov 28 – Dec 9
    2. $30.00

      Early Bird Pricing

      Now registering Dec 10 – Jul 21
      Register for 4 Mile
    3. $35.00
      Jul 22 – Aug 19

7 Mile

Price changes in 7 months 6 days

  • 7 Mile Run

    1. $30.00

      Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale

      Nov 28 – Dec 9
    2. $35.00

      Early Bird Pricing

      Now registering Dec 10 – Jul 21
      Register for 7 Mile
    3. $40.00
      Jul 22 – Aug 19

General Information

1-Mile Fun Run starts promptly at 7:15 am

7-Mile and 4-Mile race will begin promptly at 7:45 am

Race Timing

We use a disposable chip timing tag for the 1-Mile, 4-Mile & 7-Mile that runners receive at packet pick up on the back of their race bibs. It is a lightweight-foam backed chip and remains attached to the race bib.
Runners MUST wear their race bibs on the front of their clothing in order to be timed accurately. The bib cannot be covered, holding it in your hand or putting it in your pocket will NOT read the chip. Do not bend the chip. Smart watches such as Garmin and smart phones can interfere with the timing chip frequency. Please do not adjust your watch or phone as you cross the finish line and come through the chute. Disputes for times on Smart watches and smart phones will not be taken into consideration.

Packet Pick-Up
You can pick up your packet on race day. We will also have pre packet packet on Thursday August 20th at Pro Fusion 31 N 2nd St, Geneva, IL between 4pm-7pm and Friday August 21st at Knight Club Nutrition 99 East North Street, Elburn, IL between 9:30 am - 3:00 pm. Walk-in Registration Welcome at packet pickup.

Race Day Registration
Race day registration will be open from 6:00am until 7:00am at an additional $5 per participant.

Awards
All participants age 1-12 in the 1 Mile Fun Run will receive a medal.

For the 4 and 7 mile races awards go to the top three Male and Female Overall and top three Male and Female in the following age groups: 9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & older.

Parking

Plenty of parking around the event. Please see map for more information on where to park and how to get to the starting line.


Swag

Must register by August 11th to guarantee a racer back or tank top. We will have limited extras after that.

This is the 2025 Racerback and Tanktop. The 2026 version will be similar, but in a different color.


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Course Maps

Course Maps:

7 Mile Course

4 Mile Course

1 Mile Fun Run (TBD)

Event schedule

  • Wed, August 19, 2026 11:59 PM - Online Registration Closes
  • Thu, August 20, 2026 4:00 PM - Packet Pickup on 8/14 at Pro Fusion 31 N 2nd St, Geneva, IL between 4pm-7pm
  • Fri, August 21, 2026 9:00 AM - Packet Pickup on Friday 8/15 at at Village of Elburn 301 E North St, Elburn, IL from 9:00am- 3:00pm
  • Sat, August 22, 2026 6:00 AM - Race Day Registration 6:00-700am
  • Sat, August 22, 2026 7:15 AM - 1 Mile Fun Run
  • Sat, August 22, 2026 7:45 AM - 4 Mile
  • Sat, August 22, 2026 7:45 AM - 7 Mile

Contact information

Event contact
Run The Rails Race Crew
Phone
8479125037
Website
Visit website

Sponsors