Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2025-2026

Run the scenic Lemont quarries and I&M Canal at The Forge Trail Run Festival, with distances from 10K to 60K for every trail runner. Expect wooded single and double track, some technical sections, and a friendly festival vibe with limited e..

Run a scenic wooded 5K loop at Ballard Nature Center on November 16, 2025, choosing a one lap 5K or the 4 Hour endurance challenge to rack up as many laps as you can. Try the Oscar Mike Ruck SACK for weighted ruck awards and a finisher meda..

Join the Orland Park Turkey Trot for a chip timed 2.5 mile cross country run through woods and paved paths around Village Hall. All participants get a long sleeve dri fit shirt and winners take home prize turkeys.

Run the 53rd Rockford Road Runners Thanksgiving Turkey Trot on Nov 27 for a rugged 5k trail at Atwood Park with hills, rocks and roots. Enjoy holiday fun while supporting the Rock River Valley Food Pantry and local youth programs.

Join the Winnetka Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning for a fun 5k on the Green Bay Trail with Family Trot and Speedy Trotters divisions and a rolling start. Festive vibes, kids get #1 medal and proceeds support local charities.

Join the Brooks Northeast XC Championships at Franklin Park on November 29 for fast 3K and 5K races for youth, high school and open runners. Enjoy medals, swag for early registrants and a shot at San Diego qualification.

Join the FOLEPI River Trail Classic on Saturday, November 29, 2025 in East Peoria for a scenic, mostly downhill 4 mile run along the River Trail. Pre registrants get a technical long sleeved shirt and everyone is invited to a post race pizz..

Chicago Gaelic Park Carraig Challenge The event is a cross country running and walking event at Chicago Gaelic Park / Carraig Irish Pub in Oak Forest, Illinois, on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Two course options are offered: 5K run 1.5 mile..

Hit the trails at Timber Pointe for a scenic cross country style 8K, 4K or multi lap challenge with possible deer and eagle sightings. Partial proceeds benefit the nature center and finishers enjoy post race food and warm company.

Join the 36th Pere Marquette Endurance Trail Run on December 13, 2025 in Grafton, Illinois. This 7.8 mile route winds through Pere Marquette State Park with hilly, scenic terrain plus pre race coffee, packet pickup in the lodge, and post ra..

Start 2026 at the Siberian Express, a 7.45 mile winter trail run at Kickapoo State Recreation Area on January 3. Expect steep climbs and creek crossings, carry your own hydration, and warm up at a friendly post race gathering.

Challenge winter single track trails at Veteran Acres and Sterne's Woods in Crystal Lake on a triple black diamond course offering 50K, 10K and relays. The 50K is five laps of a 10K loop with a warm Gnome Depot serving hot food and coffee.

Take on the 50K MASHUP SLAM, a Midwest trail series that spans eight scenic events and rewards runners who finish five races with a special finisher buckle. Top series placers earn awards at the final G.O.A.T.z or Miner 49'er event.

Tackle winter trails in the Fox Valley with a three part Challenge Series featuring a 5K in Batavia, 8K in Aurora and 10K in St Charles across Jan to Mar. Register single or as a bundle and earn upgraded swag for multiple races.

Run the Frozen Cock's Crow 5K in Willenborg Woods on Feb 14, 2026, a rugged winter trail with steep climbs, a stream crossing and scenic singletrack. Join the trail community afterward for food, fun and warmth.

Tackle the middle race of the Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series on Feb 21, 2026: an 8K at Oakhurst Forest Preserve with a steep sledding hill climb and twisty, rolling winter trails. Finishers get a custom medal and premium cold weat..

Run among pine forests and wild cactus at the Cactus Classic Trail Races in Sand Ridge State Forest, Manito Illinois on March 7, 2026. Choose marathon, half marathon or 10K on sandy, runnable trails for a scenic, rolling challenge.

The Muddy Shamrock at The Forge offers a half and quarter trail run through scenic Lemont Quarries with rock, roots, mud and technical single track. Expect lap based routes, rustic terrain, one aid station and a fun, challenging day outdoor..

Take on the Skunk Ape 806 314 Trail Race at Lowell Park with 33.75 mile and 13.5 mile solo options or a team 806 relay. Alternate wooded loops, enjoy hearty aid station fare and finisher swag, and chase podium awards and great camaraderie.

Run the Fox Valley Winter Challenge 10K at Hickory Knolls in St. Charles on Mar 22, 2026, over mixed trails and rolling climbs to test your pace. Finishers earn winter swag and a medal, plus extra gear for completing the series.