Chupacabra Trail Races

The Chupacabra Trail Races return to Dixon, Illinois on August 8th, offering a unique night running experience through the trails of Dixon's surrounding countryside. Participants can choose from several distance options ranging from five miles to ten miles, all featuring different loops that traverse grassy and gravelly paths under the cover of darkness. The race begins at precisely 7:06 PM on Washington Avenue in Dixon, providing runners with a challenging course illuminated only by starlight and headlamps.
On race morning—though it's actually an evening event—the setting will be quiet and still as participants gather before dusk for their pre-race preparations. Deer, turkeys, bats, skunks, coyotes, and perhaps even sightings of the elusive chupacabra might add to the eerie yet captivating atmosphere on the trails. The course is designed with a mix of single-track paths that make up 30% of its length, while the remaining width varies but always stays at least fifteen feet wide for easier navigation in low light conditions.
Established as an annual event since its inception in 2016, the Chupacabra Trail Races have become a local tradition attracting runners from across Illinois and neighboring states. Each year sees approximately three hundred participants who come to test their endurance on these challenging night courses while supporting various community initiatives through race proceeds. The event's unique theme draws many curious adventurers eager for an unconventional racing experience.
The course itself winds around Dixon’s rural outskirts, featuring a combination of grassy fields, gravel paths, and dirt trails that provide both technical challenges and scenic views under the moonlit sky. Runners start at 1312 Washington Avenue before setting out on their chosen loop configurations; the aid station is conveniently located at this starting point where participants can access water and snacks throughout the race.
Weather in August typically brings mild temperatures ranging between 17.4°C to 27.1°C, with an average feel of around 22.2°C due to moderate humidity levels averaging 74.3%. The trails are expected to be hard but dry underfoot, allowing for a relatively comfortable run despite the lack of sunlight. Runners should anticipate light winds at speeds up to 10.5 mph and minimal rainfall during race hours, ensuring visibility remains optimal throughout the event.
The Chupacabra Trail Races offer runners three distinct distances: the 8K (five miles), the 16.1K (ten miles), and a relay option covering 24.1 kilometers split among team members. All participants receive a commemorative race tee, with registration available online at [https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=137786](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=137786) until the day of the event when fees increase to $40 for individuals and $120 for relay teams. Bib pickup is on race morning from 5:30 PM onwards at Washington Avenue, where participants can also drop off any belongings they wish to keep near them during the run.
To ensure a smooth start, runners should arrive early with their registration confirmation in hand along with proper identification if under eighteen years old or older than seventy-five. The event is open to all ages but requires compliance with age-related safety guidelines and regulations set forth by local authorities for night running events.
The Chupacabra Trail Races in Dixon, Illinois on August 8th provide a unique opportunity for runners seeking an adventurous evening out along the trails of rural Illinois under starlit skies. With its challenging course layout and community-driven spirit, this race stands as one of the most distinctive endurance events in the region.