Polka Pace Race
- Date
- September 12, 2026
- Location
- Main Street, Havana, IL
- Distance
- 1 Mile · 5K
- Price
- $10–$30
From the Organizer
About This Activity
The Polka Pace Race is a 5K run through the streets of Havana, including a jaunt through our scenic Riverfront Park and down our historic brick streets. The race begins and ends in the downtown area on Main Street. The Polka Pace Race route is a U.S.A. Track and Field certified course. Along with the Polka Pace Race there will be a 1-mile Polka Dot Fun Run for children 10 and under.
2025 will mark the 42nd annual running of the Polka Pace Race; the race is held during Havana’s Oktoberfest celebration, which offers an assortment of activities for the entire family. For more information on the Polka Pace Race or Oktoberfest, please visit the Havana’s Chamber of Commerce at www.historichavanaillinois.com or Mason District Hospital at www.masondistricthospital.org
Event details and schedule (Walkers and Strollers are welcome)
5K Entry fee includes Race registration, race bag, long sleeve race shirt, and beer ticket for those over 21.
Early Registration - Now thru August 15, 2025 - Cost: $30.00
Late Registration – August 16, 2025, thru September 2, 2025 – Cost $30.00 (Shirt/Packet not guaranteed)
Race Day registration is available ON SITE ONLY.
Cash prizes for the top 3 finishers overall, both male and female. ($50, $25, $10)
Glass pint drinking glasses for top 3 finishers both male and female age groups.
Medals for top 10 finishers in Polka Dot 10 and under Fun Run.
Packet Pickup – Race Day only starting at 6:30 AM, down on Main Street
Running Event Timed 5K Race begins at 8:00 am (Walkers start behind runners please)
Polka Dot fun run will begin at approximately 9:00 am
Timing by J3 Timing, Times will be posted online following the race.
Breakfast will be available for purchase near Main Street, after the race.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
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
82°
Typical Low
55°
Chance of Rain
22%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Havana.
Host City
About Havana, IL
City Elevation
473 ft
Nearest Airport
PIA
General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport · 32 mi
Major Hub
STL
St. Louis Lambert International Airport · 108 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Polka Pace Race, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Havana, IL
John Bliven Memorial Walk/Run
5K · Other · From $30 · The Old Dairy
34 miles away
4 Miles on the 4th
1 Mile · Other · From $30 · 1200 Lakeland Park Drive
18 miles away
Major Reid Nannen Memorial 5K
1 Mile · 5K · From $25 · Hopedale Wellness Center
35 miles away
Big Horse Vineyards 5K
1 Mile · 5K · From $20 · Big Horse Vineyards
8 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
Running
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)
- What is the Polka Pace Race?
- Polka Pace Race is a running race held in Havana, Illinois on September 12, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Polka Pace Race?
- Saturday, September 12, 2026 in Havana, Illinois at Main Street. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Polka Pace Race?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Polka Pace Race
Sep 12, 2026