Sat, Aug 1, 2026

Tom Short 5K

Shelbyville, IL

Registration openAnnual since at least 2018

5K1 Mile

About the Tom Short 5K

The course runs through Forest Park on the General Dacey Trail, a named trail that earns its reputation. This is not a flat road race dressed up as a trail run; the terrain is genuinely difficult, and the race draws competitive runners from local colleges and high schools who come specifically to test themselves on it. Spectators can watch from several spots along the route.

After the race, there are popsicles, chocolate milk, cookies, fruit, and more at the finish. The post-race celebration then moves to a nearby aquatic center, where runners and their families are welcome to keep things going with a pool party.

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Finish-Time Stats

Going by the 2025 results, this is a small, friendly field, with a competitive front end and a big recreational middle.

5K · 2025 results

237finishers

15:30winner

25:46median

1:04:14cutoff

Top 3: Liam Bettis (15:30) · Ryan Rininger (16:07) · Sebastian Meyer (16:16)

The Tom Short 5K has been held every year since at least 2018. That is as far back as RunSignup's records for this race go, so it may well be older.

Where Would You Finish?

Enter a finish time to see where it lands against the most recent 5K results.

Median

See how your time stacks up nationally →

How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Jul 27, 2026.

Distances & Start Times

5K8/1/2026 08:00$25

1 Mile8/1/2026 08:05$25

Going for a Time?

Set a goal and get a pace band: every mile split on a card sized for your phone lock screen, so race morning needs no math.

Plan Your Trip

Where to Stay

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Common Questions About the Tom Short 5K

Will I finish last at the Tom Short 5K?

Almost certainly not. Half the 5K field finished slower than 25:46, and the last recorded finisher came in around 1:04:14, so there is a long tail of runners behind the middle of the pack. Most fields are far slower than people expect.

Is the Tom Short 5K a good first 5K?

A field of 237 is big enough that you will have company at your pace without feeling lost in a crowd. There is no qualifying time, and the finish-time spread above shows how varied the field really is. If it is your first 5K, that spread matters more than the winner's time.

How competitive is the Tom Short 5K?

The 5K winner ran 15:30 while the median finisher took 25:46. That spread points to a mixed field, with a competitive front and a big recreational middle.