At the Hog Day Stampede 2023, members of the US Marine Corps Marching Band, who were in town to participate in the Hog Days Parade, took part in the annual Hog Day race. [Photo by Michael Berry]

Registration is now open for the 48th annual Hog Day Stampede. Runners of all ages are invited to compete in several events.

Runners can choose a four-mile run/fitness walk, a one-mile run/fitness walk and kids can enter a quarter-mile fun run.

Times for each category are 8 a.m. for the four mile run, 9:45 a.m. for the one-mile run, and 9:30 a.m. for the kids’ fun run.

For the four-mile run, awards and prizes will be given to the first through third place overall winners, with a $50 bonus for course records in both male and female divisions. The times to beat are: Male-19:24 and Female-22:20.

The first three male and female Kewanee finishers will receive plaques and Breedlove’s gift certificates. Those winners aren’t eligible for age group awards. Awards will also be given to the first three finishers, male and female, in each division.

The pre-registration fee is $30 to enter and will include a correctly- sized Russell T-shirt with design and a chance at door prizes and gift certificates. After Monday, Aug. 18, the registration fee increases to $35. Shirts won’t be given to runners who register after Wednesday, Aug. 28.

The top three finishers for the one-mile run, male and female in each division, will be given awards provided by Pizza Hut. Registration for the one-mile run is $15 for pre-registration and will include correctly-sized Russell T-shirts with design and a chance to win door prizes and gift certificates. Participants must pre-register before Aug. 18. After that date, registration will be $20 and T-shirts won’t be available for participants after Wednesday, Aug. 28.

There is no entry fee for the kids’ quarter-mile fun run, but an entry form must be filled out and signed by the runner’s guardian. For children 7 and under, a free T-shirt will be provided by The Kewanee Banking Center to the first 300 entries received, but there will be no guarantee of correct sizes for entries received after Wednesday, Aug. 28.

Race packets will be available at Breedlove’s Printing Store, located at 105 N. Tremont, Kewanee on Friday, Aug. 30 from noon to 5 p.m. For late registration, race day packet pickup will be at the Kewanee YMCA.

The course for the race is four miles on a primarily flat figure-eight course with two small hills. The course will begin and finish by the Kewanee YMCA, located at 315 W. First St.

Water and splits will be provided and a digital clock will be used at the finish. Dressing and shower facilities will be provided by the Kewanee YMCA until noon, but runners are asked to bring their own towels. Fruit, cookies, All Sport and Pepsi will be provided to all participants.

Registration checks should be made payable to Hog Day Stampede. Entry forms can be found here, along with more information. Online registration is available here.

Forms should be mailed to Hog Day Stampede, Kewanee Chamber of Commerce, 113 E. Second St., Kewanee. There are no refunds for registration fees. For additional information, phone (309) 852-2175.