The Reagan Run will take place Friday, July 4th as part of the Petunia Festival weekend. While the race is held alongside the festival, it operates as its own nonprofit organization with a mission focused on promoting health, community involvement, and supporting local organizations.
The event began in 2000 after community leaders looked for a way to bring more festival visitors through downtown Dixon. At the time, many Petunia Festival activities were held across the river, leaving downtown businesses with less foot traffic during one of the city’s busiest weekends.
The idea of creating a 5K route through downtown quickly gained support, and over the past 26 years the race has grown into one of the area’s signature holiday events.
This year’s race is expected to be one of the largest in recent years. Organizers reported that registrations had already surpassed 1,000 participants with time remaining before race day, putting the event on pace to exceed last year’s total of approximately 1,300 runners.
One of the biggest additions this year is a redesigned course that includes the newly completed Petunia Crossing pedestrian bridge. The bridge has been a long-term vision for race organizers and will allow participants to experience a scenic new section of the course through Page Park before crossing the Rock River and finishing at Haymarket Square.
The updated route replaces the wooded trail section that had challenged runners for years with paved paths throughout the park, creating a smoother experience while showcasing one of Dixon’s newest recreational amenities.
Registration remains open through race day. Online registration is available through July 2nd, while in-person packet pickup and registration will be held July 3rd at the Dixon Family YMCA. Participants may also register on race morning at Haymarket Square before being transported to the starting line near the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home.
Varga emphasized that the Reagan Run has always been about more than crossing the finish line.
Each year, the organization keeps enough funding to organize the following year’s race before distributing the remaining proceeds to local nonprofit organizations. Major beneficiaries include the Dixon Athletic Boosters, Discover Dixon, the Dixon Park District, and the Dixon Family YMCA’s Strong Kids program.
Since the race began, organizers have donated more than $400,000 back into the community while also awarding six $500 scholarships annually to local students. Since launching the scholarship program in 2015, approximately $30,000 has been awarded.
The event is powered almost entirely by volunteers, community sponsors and local organizations that provide everything from course support and safety personnel to food, water and race-day logistics.
The Reagan Run also features a free Fun Run for children ages 9 and younger before the main race, allowing families to participate together regardless of age or experience.
Participants are encouraged to run or walk the course, while spectators are invited to line the streets and cheer on runners throughout the morning.
With a redesigned course, strong community support and another year of giving back, organizers hope the Reagan Run will continue to build on its tradition as one of Dixon’s premier Fourth of July events.
For registration information and additional race details, visit RunSignUp.com or register in person during packet pickup or on race day.
To learn more about Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center, donate needed items, support upcoming fundraisers, or schedule a tour of the facility, visit the organization’s website, shiningstarcac.com.
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