The Autumn Blaze 5K returns on October 18, 2026, celebrating its tenth anniversary and offering runners of all levels a unique and engaging experience. This year's race commences at dawn under the crisp autumn skies, with temperatures averaging around 14°C—ideal for an early morning run that may require light layers due to the low humidity (around 70%). The course meanders through picturesque neighborhoods and parks in Peoria Heights, starting near the historic Peoria Civic Center. Runners will enjoy a blend of smooth paved roads and well-maintained park paths. Autumn Blaze caters to everyone from seasoned athletes to families with children, all coming together for food allergy awareness. Participants can choose between timed 5K runs or untimed 1-mile walks/runs, ensuring there's something suitable for every participant. The route offers a variety of terrains typical of the region—ranging from urban streets to park paths—that provide both enjoyment and challenge. As runners progress through the course, they will encounter charming local businesses and green spaces, making each mile feel like an exploration of Peoria Heights' beauty. While weather conditions on race day are expected to be mild with temperatures around 14°C, a light rain is possible due to the humidity at about 70%. Runners should prepare for potential wind speeds up to approximately 20 km/h. The event venue features minimal elevation changes, making it accessible and suitable for all participants. Registration costs $35 per person and can be completed online through Raceroster.com. Participants must bring their own epinephrine injectors due to safety concerns related to food allergies. Bib pickup will take place from 7:00 am to 8:30 am at the Peoria Civic Center. For newcomers or first-timers, it's essential to arrive prepared and ensure you have all necessary gear before the event starts at 9:00 am. This family-friendly festival not only supports food allergy awareness but also promotes community spirit through shared participation in health and safety initiatives. Join us on October 18, 2026, as we celebrate our tenth anniversary with a race that is more than just a run—it's an opportunity to make the community safer for everyone. Autumn Blaze 5K & Food Allergy Awareness Festival October 18, 2026
Races Offered
1 Mile Run (Untimed) and (Virtual) Bike - 10K (Dua
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
1 Mile Run (Untimed) and (Virtual) Bike - 10K (Dua
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Type —
Others,
Running
timer
09:00
sell
$29.49
1 Mile Run (Untimed) and (Virtual) Swim -.5K and B
Oct 17, 2026
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1 Mile Run (Untimed) and (Virtual) Swim -.5K and B
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
09:00
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$29.49
1 Mile Walk/Run (Untimed) & Teal Pumpkin Fall Fest
Oct 17, 2026
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1mi
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
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09:00
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$29.49
5K Run (Timed) and (Virtual) Bike - 20K (Duathlon
Oct 17, 2026
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5K Run (Timed) and (Virtual) Bike - 20K (Duathlon
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
09:00
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$29.49
5K Run (Timed) and (Virtual) Swim - .75K and Bike
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
5K Run (Timed) and (Virtual) Swim - .75K and Bike
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
09:00
sell
$29.49
5K Walk/Run (Timed) & Teal Pumpkin Fall Festival
Oct 17, 2026
straighten
Distance —
5km
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
09:00
sell
$29.49
Teal Pumpkin Fall Festival Only - Registration is
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
Teal Pumpkin Fall Festival Only - Registration is
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
09:00
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$12.99
Virtual (Distance Challenge) - Registration is FRE
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
5km
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
09:00
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$18.49
Virtual (Elevation Challenge) Registration is FREE
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
5km
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
09:00
sell
$18.49
Virtual (Tally Challenge) Registration is FREE if
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
5km
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
09:00
sell
$18.49
Virtual (Time Challenge) Registration is FREE if y
Oct 17, 2026
straighten
Distance —
5km
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
09:00
sell
$18.49
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Peoria Heights.
thermostatTemperature
9.9° / 19.5°
wb_sunnyFeels like
6.8° / 16.7°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
8h 54m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
1.7 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
12.9 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
65.0%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:11
nightlight
Sunset
18:16
About Peoria Heights
Learn more about the host city, Peoria Heights.
Peoria Heights is a village lying in Peoria County in the U.S. state of Illinois. As of the 2020 census, Peoria Heights had a population of 5,908. Peoria Heights is a suburb of Peoria, is sometimes referred to as Uptown, and is surrounded by the city except for its eastern boundary on Peoria Lake, a relatively wider section of the Illinois River. It is part of the Peoria, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.
