Special Events
Tiger 10 Miler Trail Race - Presented by Byron Bank
Join us for the 6th annual Tiger 10 Miler Trail Race and after party! This exciting 2023 Rockford Road Runners Circuit Race will take runners on ten miles of twists, turns, and hills within the Byron Forest Preserve and the more secluded Nardi Equine Prairie. All participants will receive a custom finisher's medal, shirt and our unique age group awards go 3 deep in 5-year brackets. Overall male & female winners and also male and female masters winners will receive awards and a cash prize. Special awards will be given for five-year finishers of the Tiger 10 Miler. Those five years don't have to be consecutive, just five total finishers. This is a "cup free" race so please bring your handheld water bottle or hydration pack as we won't have paper cups at our three aid stations in order to keep our trails clean and be environmentally friendly. Following the race, the after party will be held at the Hairy Cow Brewing Company from 10am to noon. Race participants will kick back and enjoy a complementary meal while awards, cash prizes, and door prizes are distributed!
Like or follow us on the socials @Tiger10Miler for updates and pictures of the course.
Date: Saturday, September 16
Time: 8:00 am* - 11:00 am
Race Location: Byron Forest Preserve
Check-in: 7:00-7:45 am at the Jarrett Prairie Center
*Walkers are welcome and will start at 7:30 am. The early start is assigned by performance and is not done by or for convenience to competitors. Byron Park District reserves the right to decide entry or not to early start. 18 minute mile pace will finish the course in 3 hours. The early start is out of respect to our volunteers and hopefully will shorten the amount of time they spend working on race days.
Packet Pickup:
Pre-race: Friday 9/15 at the Byron Park District front desk 5 pm-9 pm. 500 N. Colfax St. Byron, IL 61010 Door #55
Race day: Packet pickup will be at the race site 7 am-7:45 am.
Fees:
$60/person before July 6
$70/person July 7-August 31 (8/31 last day to guarantee a shirt)
$80/person September 1-race day
Age Groups: 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+
Online registration closes Friday, September 15 at noon.
2023 RESULTS- By Age Group, Overall Results
For more information on the Rockford Road Runners visit www.rockfordroadrunners.org
Halloween on the Prairie - FREE to attend!
Hayrides, Apple Sling Shot, Games and more! Located at Jarrett Prairie Center.
Time & Date: Sunday, October 22, 2023 from Noon-4:00 pm
FREE TO ATTEND! (Please note that there is a cost for the games.)
Pumpkin Smash - FREE!
Join us for a smashing good time! Bring your pumpkins to the Byron Fire Station, throw them off the tower and try to hit the bullseye. Donuts and apple cider will be served.
Time & Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 pm
FREE EVENT!
Turkey Trot 5K - Presented by Byron Bank
Join us for the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K, presented by Byron Bank! Burn some calories and have some fun before you head out for your Thanksgiving feast. Pies will be randomly awarded to participants in attendance. The "Best Dressed" Golden Turkey award will be back and the winner(s) will have a chance to take home a special prize! Pre-registration closes Wednesday Nov. 22 at 12:00 pm. Custom race shirts are guaranteed to participants registered by Friday, Nov. 3 at 12:00 pm. Chip timing will be provided by Tri-3 Sports Timing. Plaques will be awarded to the overall male and female finishers. Medals will be awarded to the top 3 male and female finishers in each age division as follows: 0-14, 15-18, 19-24,25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75+.
Date: Thursday, November 23
Day-Of Registration/Race Day Check-In: 7:00-7:45 am
Location: Byron PE Center
Fee: $30 Adult/$20 Youth
Pre-Registration Packet Pick-Up: Wednesday, November 22 from 5:00-9:00 pm
Holiday House Decorating Showdown
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer and participate in the third annual holiday house decorating showdown! We are calling on Park District residents to decorate their houses for a chance to win bragging rights and some fun prizes too! Nominate your neighbor or yourself--everyone is welcome! Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place entries.
Deadline to register: December 11, 2023
Judging: December 12, 2023; lights must be on by 6:00 pm
