Red Dog Run, Walk & Cycle

About the Event

The 10th Annual Red Dog Run, Walk & Cycle is a multi-discipline charity event held in Canton, Illinois, dedicated to raising funds for cystic fibrosis research. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, the event centers around the East Side Square and Advanced Rehab & Sports Medicine. This landmark tenth edition combines foot races with two distinct cycling routes, culminating in a community social at the local landmark, Billy’s Tap.

Event Categories and Itinerary

The Red Dog event is unique for its early-morning staggered starts, allowing cyclists to begin their journey before the runners and walkers take to the 5K course. Cyclists can choose between a 20-mile beginner route or a 40-mile advanced route, both departing at 8:30 AM. The running events follow at 9:00 AM, featuring a timed 5K and a 1-mile fun run. Participants in the 5K are eligible for overall and age-group awards, with a special emphasis on youth participation through free entry for children ages 12 and under.

Category	Start Time	Distance	Notes
Cycling Events	8:30 AM	20 or 40 Miles	Beginner & Advanced tiers
5K Run	9:00 AM	3.1 Miles	Timed; Custom shirt included
Fun Run/Walk	9:00 AM	1 Mile	Untimed; Family-friendly

Regional and Demographic Context

Canton is the largest city in Fulton County, Illinois, with a population of approximately 13,200 residents. Historically an industrial and agricultural center, the city has transitioned into a regional hub for healthcare and recreation. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the demographic composition of Canton is approximately 91.8% White (non-Hispanic), 4.2% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 0.6% Asian. The community is characterized by a high rate of homeownership and a median household income of roughly $48,500.

The local culture in Canton is defined by strong community volunteerism and a "hometown" pride that frequently manifests in large-scale charity events. The Red Dog Run, specifically benefiting cystic fibrosis, resonates with the community's philanthropic spirit. The integration of Billy’s Tap—a historic local establishment—into the race logistics reflects the close-knit nature of local business and civic life. The city’s geography, featuring a mix of flat town squares and rolling rural roads in Fulton County, provides the ideal variety for both competitive running and long-distance cycling.

Social Impact and Participant Experience

The Red Dog event serves a critical role in regional healthcare advocacy. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects approximately 40,000 children and adults in the United States, and events like these are essential for funding the research that has significantly extended the life expectancy of those diagnosed. By offering a "Ride for CF" alongside the traditional run, the organizers tap into the robust cycling community of Central Illinois, expanding the donor base and increasing the overall impact of the fundraiser.

For participants, the experience is designed to be social and inclusive. The Friday evening packet pickup at Billy’s Tap allows for early camaraderie, while the Saturday morning festivities at Advanced Rehab & Sports Medicine ensure a high-energy start. Whether a cyclist is pushing through the 40-mile advance route or a family is completing the 1-mile walk, the collective effort on May 2nd contributes to a decade-long legacy of fighting for a cure in the heart of Illinois.

Races Offered

1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

May 02, 2026

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Distance — 1mi

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

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09:00

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$28.74

1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Ages 12 & Under)

May 02, 2026

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Distance — 1mi

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Type — Cycling, Running

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09:00

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Free

20 Mile Bike Ride

May 02, 2026

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Distance — 20mi

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Type — Cycling, Running

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09:00

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$23.39

40 Mile Bike Ride

May 02, 2026

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Distance — 40mi

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Type — Cycling, Running

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09:00

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$23.39

5K Run

May 02, 2026

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Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

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09:00

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$34.09

5K Run (Ages 12 & Under)

May 02, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Cycling, Running

timer

09:00

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Free

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Canton.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 13.0° / 24.2°

wb_sunny 10.7° / 22.3°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 12.3 /

water_drop 61.5%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 13.0° / 24.2°

wb_sunny 10.7° / 22.3°

air 12.3 km/h

water_drop 61.5%

About Canton

Learn more about the host city, Canton.

Canton is the largest city in Fulton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 13,242 at the 2020 census, down from 14,704 at the 2010 census. The Canton Micropolitan Statistical Area covers all of Fulton County; it is, in turn, part of the wider Peoria–Canton, Illinois Combined Statistical Area (CSA).