Reindeer Dash

Event Overview

The Hampshire Township Park District presents the first annual Reindeer Dash!

This mile long race is a festive celebration for runners of all experience levels. Run (or walk) for a good cause! This event will also have a DJ to keep things fun, and complimentary hot cocoa and candy canes to keep things warm! We will be collecting items for the Burlington/Hampshire Area Food Pantry and the First United Methodist Church’s clothing drive for the homeless.

Special guest appearance by SANTA CLAUS!

Date and Location

When: 2026-12-12

Where: 1363 Romke Rd., Hampshire, IL

Race Times

• Start Time: 10am
• Weather Policy: The race will go on rain or shine: however, if weather is declared unsafe at start time, race time will be delayed.

Registration

• Online Registration: Open now until December 11th at 3:00pm.
• In-Person Registration: Re-opens on race day from 9:00am to 9:45am.
• Deadline: No entries will be accepted after 9:45am.

Prices

• Hampshire Residents: $35 until 11/3, then $40
• Non-Residents: $37 until 11/3, then $42
• Kids (6 & under): $30r/$32nr until 11/3 then $35r/$37nr

Race Swag

Entry fee includes some awesome festive race swag! You will receive a pair of cozy custom socks and a snazzy set of reindeer antlers. Race swag is given out on a first come, first served basis. Last minute registrations may miss out, so don’t wait! Swag items will become limited after 11/10. Race bags will be available starting December 9th at 9am at the Hampshire Township Park District, 182 S. State St, Hampshire during office hours or pick up the day of the race. Bib numbers will be in the race bags and must be worn during the race.

Race Route

The race will begin in the parking lot of Rackow Park, the route then takes us straight down Romke Road to start followed by:

• First Turn: Left on Jake Ln.
• Second Turn: Left on Marcello Dr.
• Third Turn: Right on Turin Dr.
• Fourth Turn: Left on Vine St.
• Fifth Turn: Left on Tuscany Tr.
• Return: Left on Romke Rd back to the beginning to finish.

Awards

AN AWARD CEREMONY WILL BEGIN IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE RACE!

• Top Finishers: Trophies will be awarded to the top male and female finishers.
• Presence Required: You must be present to receive an award.
• Post-Race Pickup: Awards may also be picked up the week following the race at the park office, they will not be mailed.
• Results: Online results will be posted at j3timing.com at completion of the race. No printed results will be given out at the race.

Age Groups

All ages are welcome to participate!

Additional Information

• Strollers: Allowed.
• Prohibited Items: Bikes, skates, scooters, any motorized vehicle and dogs are not permitted at this event.

Donations

We will once again be taking in-person donations. Please bring your donations to the registration area on the day of the race.

What do I donate?

• Food Pantry: Shelf stable food items, peanut butter, canned meat, canned beans, canned fruits & vegetables, canned soup, cereal, applesauce, granola bars, baby food/formula, flour, spices, pasta, rice.
• Clothing Drive: New or lightly used winter clothing, hats, jackets, coats, scarfs, gloves, hand warmers, and blankets. New and unopened hygiene products like toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, soap, menstrual products, diapers, and other baby products.

Learn More

For more details, visit the official race page: Reindeer Dash Registration.