Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2025-2026

The Run The Rails will take place in Elburn on Saturday 16 August 2025. You can run between 4 and 7 miles.

The Shawnee Hills Trail Races, held at Camp Ondessonk in Ozark, Illinois, offer challenging ultramarathon distances including 100 miles, 100K, 50K, and a half marathon. Set within the scenic Shawnee National Forest, the course features a figure-eight loop with 80% single-track trails, technical terr..

The Summer Trail Classic will take place in Hoffman Estates on Sunday 24 August 2025. You can run between 4 and 13 miles.

The Gristmill Grind 10K is a challenging trail race held annually at Franklin Creek State Park in Franklin Grove, Illinois. Known as one of the most difficult 10Ks in the area, the course features technical trails with approximately 800 feet of elevation gain, multiple hill climbs, and four creek cr..

The Temptation 200 Ultras, held annually at Sand Ridge State Forest in Forest City, Illinois, is a challenging ultramarathon event celebrating its 7th anniversary in 2025. The race offers multiple distances: a grueling 200K, a 50K, and a "Not At All Tempted" 10K, all set on a demanding forest course..

The Naperville Trails Half Marathon & 10K is an annual running event held in Wheaton, Illinois, set for September 6, 2025. Participants can choose between a USATF-certified half marathon or 10K distance, both featuring a flat and fast course that winds through the scenic Danada Forest Preserve on cr..

The Cornell Days 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk is a family-friendly running event held in Cornell, Illinois, starting at Clinton Keith Mills Memorial Park. The race features an out-and-back course along the county blacktop roads through the scenic countryside, suitable for both first-time runners and e..

The Hobo Trail Runs, hosted by Rockford Road Runners, take place at Rock Cut State Park in Rockford, Illinois. This annual event offers multiple trail running distances including 10k, 25k, and 50k races, with options to participate in single races or the challenging Triple Crown series (85k total) o..

Dirt Circus - Chicago is a free community running event held in Crystal Lake, Illinois, celebrating local trail running culture. Organized by UltraSignup, the event features a festive atmosphere with a social run, food, raffle prizes, and an expo showcasing local races, run clubs, brands, and busine..

The Wild Wild Wilderness is an annual running event held at Kickapoo State Recreation Area in Oakwood, Illinois. Established in 1981, the race features multiple distances including a 5K and a challenging 7.45-mile trail run that covers steep hills, creek crossings, and scenic woodland terrain. The c..

The The Last Boyscout will take place in Goreville on Saturday 13 September 2025. You can run 4 miles.

Timely Nonsense is a unique timed running event held in Chicago, IL, at a 58-acre park located at California and Montrose. Participants run a 0.75-mile paved loop for either 6 or 12 hours, with an aid station at the start/finish offering typical ultrarunning fare and additional vendor treats like ho..

The Big Horse Vineyards 5K, hosted by Gut Check Fitness in Lewistown, Illinois, is a unique trail and mud run featuring natural obstacles like hills, hollers, streams, ponds, and an epic slip-n-slide. Set on the scenic grounds of Big Horse Vineyards, this event offers a fun and challenging experienc..

The Tiger 10 Miler will take place in Byron on Saturday 20 September 2025. You can run 10 miles.

The 4sta Hike is an annual trail running event held at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve near Andalusia, Illinois, along the Mississippi River. Participants run a challenging 1-mile loop featuring smooth single track, rocks, roots, downed trees, and steep gradients up to 48%. The course offers two option..

Half Day at the Lake is a unique ultra-running event held in Evanston, Illinois, featuring 6- and 12-hour race options. The race takes place on a scenic 2-mile loop along Chicago’s north shore lakefront path, passing through Evanston’s lakefront and Northwestern University’s campus. The course is a..

Hindsight Ultra Trail Runs, held in Dixon, Illinois, offers a grassroots ultra running experience with distances of 25K, 50K, 100K, and 100 miles. The course features a 7.85-mile loop combining roughly 50% singletrack, 30% grassy meadows, and 20% gravel paths, with about 6,200 feet of elevation gain..

The Rocky Ledges 10K Trail Run is part of the Rocky Ledges 5K/10K Trail Run/Walk event held at the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center in Makanda, Illinois. Organized by SIU Recreational Sports and Services, this event features scenic trail courses through natural surroundings. Open to individu..

The Hennepin Hundred is a premier ultramarathon held in Sterling, Illinois, featuring 100-mile, 50-mile, 50K, and 100-mile team relay races. The point-to-point course follows the scenic, flat, and fast Hennepin Canal State Trail, Illinois’ longest multi-use trail, stretching from the Rock River to t..

The Fall Trail Classic - Marengo, IL will take place in Marengo on Saturday 4 October 2025. You can run between 4 and 7 miles.