Bare Bones Turkey Trot
Join us for THANKSGIVING AT THE Y!
Bring your family, invite your friends, and make this event the kickoff to all of the Thanksgiving traditions. This is a non-competitive road run with one self-service water station. No results will be recorded for this event. **Race Day Route Options: 5 mile or 3 mile route!
Register before Oct. 30 to guarantee a long-sleeved technical race shirt – Registrations received after Oct. 31 will receive shirts on a first come, first serve basis, while supplies last.
The routes take runners through the Mattoon Lightworks display at Peterson Park before sunrise. Turkey Trot & TONE- after the race, head inside the Y at either location for our Early Bird event, featuring energizing group fitness classes! It’s a chance to stretch, move, and connect before heading home to your holiday meal.
Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
Registration Fee: $25 in advance/$30 on race day
*NEW* Pre-Race Celebration: Bock Gym beginning at 5:00 a.m. (family fun, games, photo opportunity, hot cocoa & refreshments) Join us post race for Early Bird as well!
Race Start time: 6 a.m.
Packet Pick-Up:
Mattoon Area Family YMCA
- Wednesday, November 25 from 5 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Thursday, November 26 from 5:00-5:45 a.m.
All race proceeds benefit the YMCA’s Membership for All program, which provides financial assistance to those in our community so that nobody is turned away due to an inability to pay. Registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable. For more information, call the Y at 217-234-9494.
Springfest Fun Run
Join Us for the Springfest Fun Run at the Neal Center YMCA!
Kick off the annual Springfest Festival in downtown Toledo with our exciting Springfest Fun Run! Enjoy a morning of fitness before diving into the festivities!
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Race Start Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Neal Center YMCA
Event Highlights:
- Parade Starts at 11 AM: Join the celebration right after the race!
- Open to all ages and fitness levels—walkers and runners welcome!
- Post-race refreshments
Registration: $25 in advance | $30 on race day
T-shirt deadline April 30, 2026
Don’t miss this chance to combine fitness and community fun! Grab your friends and family and make it a day to remember at Springfest this year!
Let’s run & celebrate together!
Neal Center October 5k
Join Us for the Fall 5K Run at the Neal Center YMCA!
Lace up your running shoes and embrace the crisp autumn air! This October, join us for a fun-filled, timed 5K run that celebrates fitness, community, and the beauty of fall.
Date: October 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Neal Center YMCA
Why Participate?
- Enjoy a scenic Toledo route
- Connect with fellow runners and the local community
- All ages, families and skill levels welcome!
- Post-Race Refreshments
Registration: Open!
Don’t miss out on this chance to stay active and celebrate the season! Gather your friends and family for a day of fun and fitness.
Run for the Bagel
CELEBRATE BAGELFEST AT RUN FOR THE BAGEL!
Join us for Mattoon’s favorite tradition! The 39th annual Run for the Bagel will be held on Saturday, July 18th. Participants choose to walk or run 1 mile, 5k or 10k distances that wind through Lytle Park & around Mattoon. Celebrate with Lender’s Bagels at the finish line! All registrations prior to June 30th are guaranteed a race shirt.
10K & 5K RACE INFO
- Saturday, July 18, 2026
- 6:30 a.m.
- KC Summers Toyota
REGISTRATION INFO
- 10K & 5K Registration: $35
- Race Day Registration: $40
- Virtual Race: $40
- Overall Male/Female finishers
- Gender/age group- Top 3
-
1 MILE FUN RUN INFO
- Saturday, July 18, 2026
- 7:00 a.m.
- KC Summers Toyota
REGISTRATION INFO
- 1 Mile Fun Run Registration: $15
- The whole family is welcome!
Dry Tri
Row, Bike, Run!
Stay dry while you complete a Tri at the Neal Center YMCA! The Dry Tri is the perfect competition for first-time triathletes or experienced triathletes who are training for Tri Season. This event allows participants to complete a triathlon without ever jumping in a pool! Participants will complete:
- 10-minute row on Concept II Rower
- 20-minute bike on Keiser M3i Stationary Bike
- 15-minute walk/run on Life Fitness Treadmill
Waves will start every 25 minutes beginning at 11 a.m. There will be a five minute transition time between each leg. You will receive your assigned wave start time by email prior to race day. There is no race day registration. Sign-ups close at noon on February 20, 2026. The deadline to guarantee a shirt is February 9, 2026.
Event Date: February 28, 2026
Event Time: 11 a.m.
Cost: $30/person
For more information contact Lisa Jones at ljones@nealcenterymca.org.
