Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2026-2027

An 8K winter trail race at Oakhurst Forest Preserve on February 21, 2026. The course starts with a steep sledding hill and may include snow, ice, or mud, with finish-line water, snacks, and a finisher medal.

A four-race winter trail series around Rockford, Illinois, from Dec 20, 2025 to Mar 21, 2026. Distances range from 3 to 12 miles across local forest preserves, with a series entry option available.

Celebrate 16 years of the Cactus Classic Trail Races in the unique pine and cactus landscape of Sand Ridge State Forest. Choose from marathon, half marathon, or 10K distances on sandy, rolling trails. The event starts and finishes at the Oa..

Trail races at The Forge in Lemont offer a wooded course around the Lemont Quarries with a half and quarter marathon on single and double track. Varied terrain includes gravel, rocks, mud and short technical climbs; trail shoes and personal..

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a festive 5K run/walk along Peoria's Riverfront Trail. The event features costumes and finishes with a party at Kelleher's Irish Pub, including food and a drink. Proceeds benefit Crew 309.

A four-race winter trail series around Rockford, Illinois, from Dec 20, 2025 to Mar 21, 2026. Distances range from 3 to 12 miles across local forest preserves, with a series entry option available.

A 10K trail race at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles on March 22, 2026. Final event of a three race winter series with mixed terrain, finish line water and snacks, and finisher medals plus winter gear for series finishers.

Timed loop trail races at Lowell Park in Dixon, IL include 33.75-mile and 13.5-mile options plus a relay. Single track loops alternate direction each lap and a staffed aid station provides drinks and snacks.

Clinton Lake Ultra on March 28, 2026 in DeWitt, IL features a 30 mile and a 10 mile trail race on three 10 mile loops, two aid stations per loop, mandatory volunteer service, race awards, and event swag.

Trail races at Carpenter Park on April 4 2026 offering 5K and 10K routes with river and woodland views. It is the first event in the All American Trail Trek Series and includes a race T-shirt and finisher medal.

A multi-distance trail event at McNaughton Park in Pekin, Illinois on April 9 to 12, 2026. Runners do 10 mile loops of single-track, prairies, creek crossings and rolling hills with aid stations and on-site primitive camping.

Ondessonk Trail Races on April 11, 2026 at Camp Ondessonk in Ozark, Illinois features a half marathon, Manchester 10k, 5k, and a one-mile fun run around Lake Echon for families.

Hit the trails for Chauncey's 4 at The Farm, a 4-mile stampede through the historic St James Farm. It's the kick-off event for the 2026 trail running series. Runners can tackle the rolling limestone and wooded paths for a chance at awards a..

A weekend of in-person and virtual races in Monticello, Illinois, featuring a trail and road Half Marathon, 10K, and a nighttime Trail-Glo 5K. The event benefits Robert Allerton Park and supports Make-A-Wish Illinois.

Trail races on a 5 mile loop at Veterans Acres in Crystal Lake, IL offering 50K, 15 mile, and 5 mile options with one major aid station and age group awards. Registration closes April 10.

A trail event at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve near Illinois City, IL offering a 50 mile, 50K, and half marathon on a 13.3 mile loop with mostly natural trail, two aid stations, camping at the Horse Corral Campground, and online-only registr..

Run a USATF certified 10K through the scenic Morton Arboretum. Celebrate at a post race party with live music and refreshments. A fundraising option supports the arboretum's mission.

A looped trail race at Deer Grove Forest Preserve near Palatine, IL offering 10K, 25K, 50K and 50 mile options on soft gravel loops with a single aid station per lap and inclusive entry policies.

A Batavia fundraiser for Anderson Humane featuring a timed 5K and a 1.5 mile community walk around the Batavia Riverwalk; proceeds support shelter, medical care, and wildlife rescue.

A flat out and back half marathon and 10K along the limestone Great Western Trail on May 3, 2026, hosted by Fox River Trail Runners. Registration contributions support three local mental health charities.