Dixon's Reagan Run 5K

Celebrate the Fourth of July in President Ronald Reagan's hometown with one of northwest Illinois' most beloved running traditions. The Reagan Run 5K is a spirited Independence Day race that brings runners, walkers, families, and cheering spectators together in the heart of historic Dixon, Illinois. Now in its 26th year, this iconic community event honors the 40th President's small-town Illinois roots while celebrating American independence.

The course begins at the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, the modest white house on South Hennepin Avenue where a young "Dutch" Reagan grew up, dreamed big, and first imagined the life that would one day lead him to the White House. From that historic starting line, the race winds through Dixon's tree-lined neighborhoods and charming downtown streets before crossing the Rock River on the Peoria Avenue bridge. Runners return to the west bank on Dixon's new Pedestrian Bridge, one of the most scenic river crossings in the region, before finishing at Haymarket Square in the heart of downtown.

Whether you're chasing a personal best or just out to soak up the holiday atmosphere with friends and family, the Reagan Run welcomes participants of every age and ability. Strollers, kids, first-timers, and seasoned 5K veterans all find their place in the pack. Spectators line the route with flags, cheers, and coffee in hand, making it feel like a hometown parade as much as a race.

After the finish, stick around for a full day in Dixon. The Fourth of July in this river town means Main Street celebrations, Rock River recreation, and a visit to the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home itself, now a free National Historic Site. Pair the race with a long holiday weekend and you have the perfect small-town Illinois Fourth.