Grab a pair of running shoes because the Ginkgo Festival’s 26th annual Midnight Madness footrace will be held this Saturday evening in downtown Ames.

Boasting 2,000 entries, the 5K and 10K run is “the second largest in Iowa,” said race director Roman Lynch. “I’d say that’s pretty good.”

Kevin Bourke, assistant race director, said it has become a tradition for people to make the pilgrimage to Ames for the Ginkgo Festival and Midnight Madness.

“People come from all the border states and even Colorado to run in it,and have for the past several years,” Bourke said. “It’s an annual event.”

Bourke is the person the runners go to before the race with their packets and last-minute questions. He said he was in charge of the event for several years before passing leadership on to Lynch.

Though usually too busy to run in the race, Bourke said he did do it once. He said the spectators turn on sprinklers for the runners and are very supportive.

“It’s a great time,” Bourke said. “Midnight Madness is by far one of the best races in Iowa.”

Runners aren’t the only ones who can get in on the fun. Lynch said the race starts out with a bike ride, and walkers are also welcome.

“We always encourage people to walk if they don’t want to run,” Bourke said. “We try to include everyone.”

The runners will loop through downtown Ames, past Brookside Park, turn back on Haber Road and finish past Kellogg Avenue downtown, Lynch said. Following the race there will be a meal and a party at the east parking lot of City Hall.

“It’s more than just a race,” Bourke said. “There’s a pancake breakfast, health fair and all kinds of vendors; it ends up being a full day of activities.”