Discovery Dash 5K/10K and 1 Mile Fun Run
Sat, Oct 10, 2026, 4:00 AM CDT
- Type
- Run
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
A truly unique fall race winding through a heritage park, complete with a festive Pumpkin Village and historical landmarks.
- Fun
- Scenic
- Competitive
- Quirky
- Festive
Fun
Scenic
Competitive
Quirky
FestiveEmbrace the unique charm of the Discovery Dash 5K/10K and 1 Mile Fun Run at Discovery Park of America. This autumn event invites you to explore a 50-acre heritage park, transformed with crisp fall air and a festive Pumpkin Village. The course offers a distinctive journey past historical reproductions like an 1800s frontier settlement and a vintage train station, alongside scenic features such as a man-made river and waterfalls. Enjoy pre-race entertainment, a memorable finish line, and awards for top finishers.
What to expect
- Run through a 50-acre heritage park featuring a festive Pumpkin Village.
- Discover a course that meanders past historical reproductions and scenic water features.
- Receive a Discovery Dash T-shirt and two complimentary admission tickets to the park.
Standout details
- Festive Pumpkin Village
- Run past historical reproductions
- Scenic river and waterfalls
- Includes park admission & T-shirt
Distances & registration
3 optionsUse the official signup link above for all distances.
10K
1 option · closes Oct 10, 2026, 3:50 AM CDT
5mo 10d 19h 32m leftGeneral entry
Closes Oct 10, 2026, 3:50 AM CDT · From $32.80
5K
1 option · closes Oct 10, 2026, 4:20 AM CDT
5mo 10d 20h 2m leftGeneral entry
Closes Oct 10, 2026, 4:20 AM CDT · From $27.50
1 Mile
1 option · closes Oct 10, 2026, 4:50 AM CDT
5mo 10d 20h 32m leftFun Run
Closes Oct 10, 2026, 4:50 AM CDT · From $27.50
Summaries use public event text. Confirm schedule, fees, and rules on the official page before you sign up.
From the organizer
Looking for the most unusual fall race in the world?
Lace up for the 2026 Discovery Dash on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Discovery Park of America. This year, experience the 50-acre heritage park in full autumn splendor, complete with crisp fall air and The Settlement transformed into a festive Pumpkin Village.
The route meanders through a man-made river, waterfalls, bridges and other scenic features. No other course lets you dash past a 120-year-old church, an 1800s frontier settlement, a reproduction of an early 19th-century town and a complete vintage train station.
From race-day check-in and pre-race entertainment to the inflatable archway finish line, finisher certificates and winner medals, you won’t want to miss a moment.
Awards will be presented in the 5K and 10K for males and females in the following age categories:
12 and under 13-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70 and over
Schedule:
6:30-7:45 a.m. — Registration 8 a.m. — 10K begins 8:30 a.m. — 5K begins 9 a.m. — 1-mile fun run begins 9:30 a.m. — Awards ceremony
Registration for the 5K and 1-mile fun run before Aug. 31 is $25 and includes a Discovery Dash T-shirt and two complimentary admission tickets to Discovery Park for the day. Beginning Sept. 1, registration increases to $30, and T-shirts will be available while supplies last.
Registration for the 10K before Aug. 31 is $30 and includes a Discovery Dash T-shirt and two complimentary admission tickets to Discovery Park for the day. Beginning Sept. 1, registration increases to $35, and T-shirts will be available while supplies last.
Sponsors include Thompson CAT Machinery.