Batavia United Way to host Bat Race Oct. 30

The eighth annual Bat Race hosted by Batavia United Way will take place on Saturday, Oct. 30.

Register by 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11 to be guaranteed a race shirt and race swag.

This event has something for everyone! Costumes are encouraged but not required. There will be a costume contest for those who do come in costume!

There is a chip-timed 10K run starting at 8:30 a.m., a chip-timed 5K run or walk starting shortly after, a Kids Fun Run starting at 9:30 a.m., and a load of snacks for purchase including Abbey Farms apple cider doughnuts, breakfast burritos, and a Bloody Mary bar starting at 9 a.m. Sign up at the tent to compete in a costume contest with prizes.

This race draws runners from all over the Chicago area to the Fox River Trail bike path. The race begins and ends on River Street and State Street in downtown Batavia.

Once you've finished with the events of Bat Race, wander across the Peace Bridge and join in the fun at Batavia MainStreet's Bat Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Batavia's annual Halloween-themed family event attracts over 2,500 ghouls. It includes downtown trick-or-treating, Batavia Mothers' Club Parade, pumpkin bowl, contests, BatArt, stories, and games for free family fun

For more information, course maps, or registration, visit bataviaunitedway.org/bat-race/.

Cost for the 10K is $40 for those 19 or older, $30 for 18 or under, or $35 for virtual, or $20 to $30 for the 5K. The youth quarter-mile fun run for age 10 or younger is $5.

This event is a fundraiser for the Batavia United Way which provides support for Batavians in the areas of education, health, and financial stability.