Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2026-2027

Trail races on a 5-mile loop at Veterans Acres in Crystal Lake, IL, offering 50K, 15-mile, and 5-mile options with a single major aid station, age-group awards, an 8-hour cutoff, and packet pickup the day before and race day.

Loud Thunder 50 is a single day of trail racing in Illinois City, Illinois on April 18, 2026, featuring 50 mile, 50K and half marathon distances at 19408 Loud Thunder Rd.

Run through the scenic rolling trails of the Morton Arboretum on a USATF certified 10K course. Enjoy a lively post race party with live music and refreshments while supporting vital tree conservation and research.

A looped trail event at Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine, IL offering 10K, 25K, 50K and 50 mile distances on mostly wide, non-technical trails with a single aid station at the start and finish.

Experience a bib timed run through the natural twists and turns of Saw Wee Kee Park. Join this spring event to earn a unique medal piece and enjoy the changing seasonal terrain in Yorkville.

Run or walk to support Anderson Humane at their largest fundraiser. Choose a timed 5K run or bring your dog for a 1.5-mile walk along the Batavia Riverwalk. The event includes awards, a lure course, and activities for animal lovers.

Experience an illuminated night obstacle race in Mchenry featuring torch lit trails and technical rigs. Participants can enjoy live entertainment and bonfires after completing their 5k or unlimited lap challenge.

The Hearts Desire 6-Hour Endurance Run in Herrin is a timed event where runners complete as many 1.3-mile paved loops as possible. All participants get a t-shirt, and awards are given for the most loops completed. Refreshments are available..

Experience the Three Ravines Course at Wolf Road Woods with distance options of 3.1 or 5.4 miles. This family friendly trail event features a mix of single track terrain and a post race celebration with craft brews.

Test your discipline in this 6 hour trail challenge where you must complete a 5K every hour to stay in the race. Earn unique patches and medals while navigating the natural terrain of Deer Grove East.

Run a flat, out-and-back course on the historic Great Western Trail. Choose from a half-marathon or 10K distance. Your registration supports local mental health charities.

IVS Spring Stampede offers 5k and 10k trail races at Wildlife Prairie Park on May 3, 2026. Park admission is included and the event features water stations, post race snacks, and awards for overall and age group finishers.

Experience a scenic trail run through the Sag Valley Trail system with a marathon or 10 mile distance. Enjoy a non technical horse trail course followed by post race chili and beer at Teason’s Woods.

A Second Wind Running Club event on May 9, 2026, the Buffalo Trace Trail Race follows an approximately 5-mile course through woods and prairie at Lake of the Woods; registration is available online and proceeds benefit the Forest Preserve F..

Timed 8 hour and 4 hour loop trail events at Chestnut Mountain Resort near Galena, Illinois, with 2.91 and 0.6 mile loops, timing-based mileage awards, a finisher medal, and an on-site meal and after party.

A timed endurance trail event near Willow Springs on a 4 mile loop with single and double track, rolling hills, a signature aid station offering snacks and drinks, and a mandatory reusable cup policy.

Operation GRANITE X at Tri-Township Park on May 16, 2026 features 6 mile loops made of three two mile laps. Two divisions are offered, one with escalating weight and one focused on endurance.

A chip timed 10K through mostly crushed limestone trails and wooded scenery at The Forge Lemont Quarries near Lemont, IL. Part of the Chicago Racing Circuit with overall and age group awards and a 450 runner capacity.

Test your grit at Byron Motosports Park with tactical obstacle courses ranging from 5K to 10K endurance laps. Choose from elite vest challenges, weighted rucking, or open waves designed to honor the resilience of first responders.

A backyard ultra at Willenborg Woods near Charleston, IL, run on a repeating 4.167 mile loop each hour until one runner remains. The final finisher receives a Bronze Ticket tied to a backyard ultra championship.