ARTHUR CHEESE FESTIVAL
RAT RACE - Back for 2023!
5K & 10K Run
5K Recreational Walk
sponsored by Arthur Woman's Club
Labor Day Monday
ARTHUR'S ANNUAL RAT RACE 5K & 10K RUNS BENEFITS STUDENTS OF THE NEW LARGER SCHOOL DISTRICT
IT'S BACK!!! The Arthur Cheese Festival's Rat Race 5K & 10K runs are taking place again on 
Labor Day Monday. As in the past, proceeds from this annual race organized by the Arthur Woman's Club will be used to fund educational scholarships to graduating high school seniors. That means seniors in the new high school district, Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond, will all benefit from this race and can apply for scholarships in the spring. There will be eight $500 scholarships awarded to graduating seniors and continuing education candidates.
The 5K and 10K runs are the featured races for this day, but the Rat Race will still also consist of a 1 Mile Fun Run, the 5K Recreational Walk, and our favorite Cheese Chaser Kids Run.
The Monday morning schedule starts with the 10K and 5K runners beginning their race at 7:30 a.m. with the 5K Recreational Walkers following.
Both the 10K and 5K runs have 14 different age divisions with cash prizes for the overall fastest male and female runners in each run. There are also 1st, 2nd, and 3d place medals for the top three finishers in each age division of the 10k & 5K. Awards will take place at approximately 9:15 am at the stage area close to the end of the race. There will also be food and drinks for all the racers and walkers located in this same general area. For more information about entry fees, age categories, and awards go to www.arthurcheesefestival.com to download a form or register online. Registration forms can also be picked up Arthur Visitors Center in downtown Arthur.
For details on classes, entry fees and deadlines, t-shirts and other race details visit the on-line or printable entry forms highlighted below.
And remember, we haven't forgotten the youngest runners out there. Young children from
the suggested ages of 4 – 9 can participate in the “Cheese Chase” on Saturday afternoon. This event is completely free for kids to enter and features a 2-block race with special hosts Artie Mouse and Miss Slice leading the way. Kid's will also receive a goody bag and medal at the end of the race. Upon request, your child can purchase a special edition T-shirt in youth sizes for this children's race for just $10.
Sharon Daily, former Arthur Woman's Club president and one of the Rat Race coordinators, commented “What other race keeps you healthy and rewards you with cheese just for participating? Only the Rat Race! Families can come together to walk or run and after the race enjoy the festival. There will be craft vendors, cheese games, lots of entertainment and a wide variety of food. Something for everyone in the family to enjoy!”
| Checks Payable to: Arthur Women's Club Registration: Early Registration is recommended. Race day registration will start at 6:00 a.m. on Monday 5k/10K Race Starts at approx. 7:30 a.m. 5K Rec Walk - 7:30 a.m.Kiddie Fun Run - 2pm Saturday |
Age divisions: 10 and under 11-14 15-19 40-44 20-24 45-49 25-29 50-54 30-34 55-59 35-39 60-64 65-69 70+ |
Awards: Prizes and trophies to top male and Female run finisher. Medals to 3 place run finishers. T-Shirts to all preregistered. Food and drinks at finish line. |
Registration and check-in is at the Welcome Center at the north end of the downtown business area (106 E. Progress).
Prizes and trophies to the top Male and Female Finishers in the 5K and 10K Runs. Medals to top 3 places in each age division.
Food & Drinks at finish line.
Race Times:
5K & 10K Run – 7:30 am Monday
5K Recreational Walk – 7:30 am Monday
Kiddie Fun Run –2pm ON SATURDAY
Event T-shirts and free cheese guaranteed to preregistered 5K &10K runners. Additional shirts are available but supplies are limited. Awards will be presented at approximately 9:45 am at the stage by the corner gazebo. Race will take place rain or shine. Official results will be available at ArthurCheeseFestival.com. Thank you for your donation!
| For further information: Stephanie Borntreger 101 Carriage Court Arthur, IL 61911 ArthurWomansClub1@gmail.com Link to Printable Application |
Festival Notes: Arthur is located in central Illinois, 10 miles west of I-57 exit #203 on Rt. 133 in the heart of the Illinois Amish settlement. Register at the visitors center at the north end of the downtown business area. After the run you may want to visit the many craft and food vendors lining the streets or explore the surrounding countryside and view the many farms and businesses of the Amish community. |