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.
Join fellow runners on May 2, 2026 for the Byron Rocks 5k & 10k - Run it. Walk it. Ruck it.. It's a fantastic 5K, 10K featuring a flat and fast course in Byron.
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.
Weather Overview
These values represent the 9-year monthly averages for May 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.
