For the 55th year, Ames hosts Midnight Madness, a race for all ages.

Every year since 1972, Ames has hosted Midnight Madness, a 5k race that runs through downtown. 

This event has been a big deal for Ames for decades, with over 1,000 people finishing the race every year since 1981.

People come from many neighboring states and even farther for this event. One person, Priscilla Welch, not only has the fastest time in the women’s division, but she also came from England to race, according to Midnight Madness’ history document.

This year’s Midnight Madness will take place on Friday, July 10, and sign-ups are still available. 

The actual race starts at 8 p.m., but the festivities start well before then. 

Racers can pick up their packets at Torrent Brewery from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Starting at 7 p.m., there will be live music from the band Faculty Lounge, and it will continue through 11 p.m. during the post-race celebrations. 

At 7:30 p.m., the “Kids Free Fun Run” will start, and kids can participate in 600-meter dash.

The course this year will take runners on many streets in downtown Ames, including Northwestern Avenue, Kellogg Avenue and 5th Street.

A full race map can be found here. 

In each division, from 14U to 80+, the top three males and females will receive awards, which will be presented starting at 9:15 p.m.

More information about the race can be found here.