Reagan Run 2026: New Course, 1,000+ Runners & How Your Race Gives Back | Along the Rock

Join host Kierstyn Long as she sits down with Nancy Varga, director of the Reagan Run, to discuss one of Dixon's favorite Fourth of July traditions.

Now celebrating its 26th year, the Reagan Run has grown from a downtown revitalization effort into one of the Sauk Valley's largest community races. Nancy shares the story behind the event, how it has evolved over the years, and why it continues to bring together runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors and families every Independence Day.

This year's race features an exciting new course that includes the newly completed Petunia Crossing pedestrian bridge, offering participants a fresh route through Page Park before finishing at Haymarket Square. Nancy also explains how proceeds from the race benefit local nonprofits, scholarships and community organizations, with more than $400,000 given back over the past 26 years.

Whether you're an experienced runner, a casual walker or simply looking for a fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July, this episode has everything you need to know before race day.

🏃 In this episode:

• The history of the Reagan Run
• Why was the race created
• What's new for the 2026 course
• How the event gives back to the community
• Registration deadlines and race-day information
• The Fun Run for children
• Volunteer and sponsor support behind the event

Reagan Run Information:

📅 Race Day: Friday, July 4, 2026

💻 Register online:
https://runsignup.com/

🎉 Learn more about the Petunia Festival:
https://petuniafestival.org/

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Highlights:

0:00 – Introduction

0:57 – Reagan Run celebrates its 26th year

2:30 – The history and purpose behind the Reagan Run

6:04 – What's new for 2026: Petunia Crossing & updated race course

10:33 – Registration deadlines, pricing & race day information

13:48 – Where race proceeds go and local organizations supported

16:09 – Kids Fun Run, scholarships & community volunteers

17:33 – Walkers, spectators & race-day atmosphere

18:24 – Register online, race shirts & final reminders

19:46 – Host shares last year's race experience

21:19 – Final thoughts and invitation to participate

21:33 – Closing remarks

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