CHALLENGE OF THE BLUFFS RUN SET FOR SAT, OCT 18TH AS PART OF THE DOWNTOWN ALTON FALL FESTIVAL

Alton, IL - Area health enthusiasts are invited to participate in the 17th Annual Challenge of the Bluffs Run on Saturday, October 18th, at 10 a.m. Beginning at 200 West Third Street in front of the Riverbender.com Community Center, runners will make their way up a scenic and challenging 5-mile route through the Christian Hill and Fairmount neighborhoods and finish on Belle and 4th Street. Walking participants travel a 2-mile route to Riverview Park and back on the same course.

As part of the awards ceremony, organizer Alton Main Street will be crowning the "King & Queen of the Bluffs", the male and female who make it to the summit first. The entry fee is $25 per entrant if registration is postmarked by Oct 6th and $30 after. Runners will receive a Tek-shirt, awards in each age division, and entry into the Chili Cook-Off after the race. New this year, we will have live music and a beer booth available immediately post-race until 10pm as part of the Downtown Alton Fall Festival.

To sign up for the race, please visit the Events page of www.DowntownAlton.com, where you will find the direct link to register online with Active.com. Or you may download the registration form if you would prefer to pay with a check by mail.

Full Fall Festival Schedule:

10am-Noon - Challenge of the Bluffs (5-mile Run / 2-mile walk)

Noon-3pm - Chili Cook-Off &

Up to 80% Off Furniture

Shop Local

Kettle River Furniture & Bedding

Get This Deal →

Live entertainment from The Waters Trifecta (Rock, Folk, Blues, Zydeco)

3:30-5:30 - Live Entertainment from Watt Hill (Progressive Bluegrass)

5:30-7:00 - Bluegrass Open Jam - bring your stringed instruments, or just listen & enjoy

7:00-8:30 - Live Entertainment from Raw Earth (Urban Tribal Fusion)

8:30-10:00 - Drum Circle - bring your percussion instruments, or just listen & enjoy

Event sponsor opportunities are available at several different levels. Funds raised will support Alton Main Street’s ongoing efforts to improve and promote Downtown Alton.

For more information, please contact Executive Director Sara McGibany at sara@altonmainstreet.org or 618-463-1016.

More like this:

First Fridays returns to downtown Troy on June 5 with Crafts. Corks. Casks.

May 29, 2026

Plans Finalized, Sponsors Announced For Glen Carbon’s “Glentennial” Homecoming Happening June 19-20, 2026

Jun 2, 2026

Alton Main Street Announces 22 Bands in the Live Music Lineup for its 2026 Event Series

May 26, 2026

Public Launch Ramps to Close During F1 Powerboat Championship Event

Jul 16, 2026

Cooling Centers in the Riverbend Region for Summer 2026

Jun 29, 2026