
From the Organizer
Join us for the Annual Byron Fest 5K Run! This 2026 Rockford Road Runners Circuit Race, and family friendly event, is held on the beautiful trails of the Byron Forest Preserve. The course features well maintained trails with panoramic views and a variety of terrain. Chip timing will be provided by J3 Timing. Plaques will be awarded to overall male and female finishers and medals will be awarded to top 3 male and female finishers in each age division. 5 year age groups for both male and female. Age groups to be as follows: 0-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 and above.
1 mile Fun Run! All Fun Run participants will receive a participation medal. Chip timing is not available for the Fun Run.
5K participants must be pre-registered by June 21, 2026 at noon to be guaranteed a race shirt. A limited number of shirts will be available race day on a first come, first serve basis. Pre-registrations will be accepted through July 10, 2026 at noon. Packet pick up and day of registration will be available onsite from 7:00 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. with the race beginning promptly at 8:00 a.m. This event is non-refundable.
Parking and indoor restrooms are available onsite.
Due to terrain, baby joggers and strollers are discouraged.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
84°
Typical Low
64°
Chance of Rain
31%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Rockford Gtr Rockford Ap, 10 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
3,742
as of 2023
Elevation
725 ft
Nearest Airport
RFD
Chicago Rockford International Airport · 10 mi
Major Hub
ORD
Chicago O'Hare International Airport · 71 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Byron Fest 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
33
Days to train
Coming Up
Lifescape 4th of July Classic Run/Walk
14 miles away
Mullarkey's Bar and Grill Spirits Run
10 miles away
Run The Valley 5k/10K
12 miles away
RAMP River Run – 3K, 5K, & 1/2 Marathon Run
14 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Byron Fest 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
Jul 11, 2026