The Fraidycat 5K, 8K & Meow Mile kicks off at 9:00 AM on October 25, 2026, giving you a reasonable morning window to get to Oswego. The event takes place at 3650 Grove Road and offers two distances: a 1-mile option and an 8K. Entry fees range from $25 to $55 depending on registration timing and distance selected. This fall race is set up for runners looking for a straightforward local event without the early-dawn logistics of larger competitions. If you're traveling to the Chicago area for other October races, this Oswego venue could fit into your schedule without requiring an overnight stay.
From the Race Organizer
Fraidy Cat 5k, 8k & Meow Mile October 25th, 2026 9:00am - Mile 9:20 am - 8K 9:30 am - 8k Oswego, IL EVENT INFORMATION - The 5K, 8K & Meow Mile races are chip-timed at the start and finish. The Meow Mile will start promptly at 9 a.m. at Prairie Point Elementary School, 3650 Grove Rd, Oswego, Illinois and the FraidyCat 5K and Ghost Run 8K will start at approximately 9:20 (Ghost Run) & 9:30 a.m (5k). The course will close at 11:30 a.m. COSTUMES ARE ENCOURAGED! Baby joggers or strollers are allowed - please start at the back of the runners, bikes, skates of any kind, scooters, skateboards and dogs are prohibited. Please use caution and watch for moving vehicles. This race is not on a closed course and most of the race will be on a bike path. Team Triumph Teams are welcomed and encouraged in the race! Shirt sizes not guaranteed after 10/1/26. We have established Fraidycat Scholarships that will be given to graduating seniors at Oswego High School and Oswego East High School who do a lot community giveback/volunteerism in Oswego. A portion of the proceeds will go into these scholarships every year. Packet Pickup: Thurs. October 22 - 2 pm - 6 pm, Chamber office, 25 E Jackson St, Oswego Friday, October 23 - 8 am - 5 pm, Chamber office, 25 E Jackson St, Oswego Sat Oct 24 - 8 am - 11 am , Chamber office, 25 E Jackson St., Oswego Sun. Oct. 25th, 7:30 –8:45am Race Day pickup onsite at Prairie Point School Prizes Meow Mile—Awards will be presented to the top male and female finishers. All participants will receive a ribbon and awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group. FraidyCat 5K—Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers. Age group medals will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group. Awards presentation will begin at approximately 10:15 a.m. All runners for the 5k and 8k will receive finisher medals Ghost Run 8K— Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers. AGE GROUP medals will be given to the top 3 male & female finishers in each age group. Awards presentation will begin at approximately 10:45 am All runners for the 5k and 8k will receive finisher medals Check the FraidyCat website for Age group breakdowns. www.fraidycat5k.com Race day registration RACE DAY REGISTRATION AVAILABLE via QR code and your smart phone. Registration starts at 7:30 am on site. All registration closes at 8:45 am RACE TIME Mile at 9:00 am 8K at 9:20 am 5k at 9:30 am approximately Weather Policy The FraidyCat 5K, 8K Ghost Run and Meow Mile will take place rain or shine. If cancellation of the event is warranted due to dangerous weather conditions, announcements will be made race day at the race site and on the FraidyCat Facebook page. The event will not be canceled in advance. All decisions regarding cancellation will be made on site, race day. Parking information Limited parking is available at Prairie Point Elementary School, 3650 Grove Rd, Oswego and at the Park District parking lot off of Plainfield Rd. Help us reduce our carbon footprint! We highly recommend carpooling or riding your bicycle to the event. On street parking is only allowed on streets NOT being used for the run course. Check the race website and your race packet for final details and new maps. Watch our Facebook page and emails for parking instructions.
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 25.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Oswego, IL.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Fraidycat 5k,8k & Meow Mile 2026 — Oswego, IL?
Fraidycat 5k,8k & Meow Mile 2026 — Oswego, IL takes place on October 25, 2026. The race is held in Oswego, Illinois.
Where is Fraidycat 5k,8k & Meow Mile 2026 — Oswego, IL held?
Fraidycat 5k,8k & Meow Mile 2026 — Oswego, IL is held at 3650 Grove Rd in Oswego, Illinois.
Where can I find hotels near Fraidycat 5k,8k & Meow Mile 2026 — Oswego, IL?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Oswego. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
