Byron Rocks 5k & 10k - Run it. Walk it. Ruck it.
About this race
Byron Racks 5K & 10K is a family-friendly community race welcoming runners, walkers, and ruckers of all abilities. Whether you’re chasing a PR, enjoying a fun walk with friends, or carrying weight for an extra challenge, this event is about movement, community, and hometown pride.
Divisions: 5K Run/Walk • 10K Run/Walk • 5K Ruck • 10K Ruck
Course: Same course for run/walk and ruck divisions
Timing: All participants will be timed.
Important: Ruck participants must carry required weight for the full distance and post-check is not required—weight will be verified before the start.
Awards will be as follows: 5K & 10K - Overall male and female winners. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd for male and female age categories: 15 & under, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 & over. *Ruck awards will be separate with same layout as the runs.
Please contact the Byron Chamber of Commerce at office@byronchamber.com or (815) 234-5500 with any questions or comments. The event will be held Saturday May 02, 2026. Registration and check-in begin at 7:00 a.m. and run/walk start time is 8:00 a.m. Registration, check-in, start, and finish will be located in the Byron City Hall Parking Lot, 232 W 2nd Street, Byron, IL 61010.
*Must register by April 13th to guarantee a Byron Rocks t-shirt.
A Special Thank you to Racing Expectations who will be our timer for this years event.
Pick your distance
Running
5k
Family friendly 5K for runners, walkers and joggers. Participants will be guaranteed a souvenir race t-shirt and goodie bag if registered by April 13, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
10k
10K option for those looking for extra distance. Participants will be guaranteed a souvenir race t-shirt and goodie bag if registered by April 14, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
5K Ruck
Complete the 5K carrying a weighted ruck. Rucking is walking or running while carrying a weighted backpack (ruck). Ruck participants complete the same course as the run/walk division and are timed and scored separately. Weight Standards (weight listed does NOT include the bag itself) Men 18+: 30 lbs Women 18+: 20 lbs Youth 13–17: 10–15 lbs (recommended) Ruck Rules Weight must be carried for the entire race Weight may not be removed once the race begins Ruck must be worn on the back (no hand-carried weight) Weighted vests are not permitted Weight will be checked prior to the start Safety Note: Choose a pace and weight appropriate for your ability. This division is about challenge and completion, not speed.
Ruck 10K
Complete the 10K carrying a weighted ruck. Rucking is walking or running while carrying a weighted backpack (ruck). Ruck participants complete the same course as the run/walk division and are timed and scored separately. Weight Standards (weight listed does NOT include the bag itself) Men 18+: 30 lbs Women 18+: 20 lbs Youth 13–17: 10–15 lbs Ruck Rules Weight must be carried for the entire race Weight may not be removed once the race begins Ruck must be worn on the back (no hand-carried weight) Weighted vests are not permitted Weight will be checked prior to the start Safety Note: Choose a pace and weight appropriate for your ability. This division is about challenge and completion, not speed.
Typical race-day weather
Based on 9 years of historical conditions on this event's race dates in Byron.
About Byron
Byron Rocks 5k & 10k - Run it. Walk it. Ruck it. takes place in Byron, Illinois, United States. The local timezone is America/Chicago.
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🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Byron
Find upcoming events by distance:
- Byron 5K Races Best Byron routes for beginners and speed work.
- 10K Run Events in Byron The most popular local distance in Illinois.
- Byron Running Calendar 2026 See all upcoming race dates.
Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
