Illinois
Illinois Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Illinois for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 89 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Illinois below and join the trail community at these great events!
November 2026
Trail races at The Forge in Lemont with 10K, 20K, 30K and 60K courses on single and double track plus gravel near the Lemont Quarries.
Fast, flat crushed limestone out and back in Vienna, Illinois offering 100 mile, 100 km, 50 mile and marathon distances with aid about every five miles.
McNotagain Fall Trail Runs in Pekin IL on November 14, 2026 offers trail races from about 3.5 to 50 miles on a reversed 10 mile loop with creek crossings.
A scenic 5K in Deer Grove on November 14, 2026 that welcomes runners, walkers and canicross teams while raising funds for a local scholarship.
Community Turkey Trot with a timed 5K and kids fun runs supporting Farmingdale Elementary PTC in Pleasant Plains, IL.
Trail races at Wolf Road Woods on November 21, 2026 with 8 mile (two loops) and 4 mile (one loop) options, on trail surfaces with post race food, drink, and awards.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a 2 mile run through the wooded trails of Sheffield Illinois. Wear your best holiday costume for a chance to win prizes at this untimed community event.
54th Annual Rockford Road Runners Turkey Trot is an approximate 5K trail race at Atwood Park with chip timing, day of packet pickup, and donations for local charities.
A chip timed 2.5 mile cross country Turkey Trot in Orland Park on Thanksgiving morning, with race shirts, a raffle, and prize turkeys for top finishers.
A community Turkey Trot at NorthPointe Health & Wellness on November 26 2026 featuring a chip timed 5K and a non timed 0.5 mile Tiny Trot for all ages.
Trail partner run and workout of about 5K using 25 lb and 40 lb wreck bags with alternating partner exercises and proceeds donated to Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry.
36th Annual FOLEPI River Trail Classic in East Peoria on November 28, 2026, features a 4-mile run and a 2-mile walk with shirt and no-shirt options.
A cross country event at Gaelic Park on November 29, 2026, with a 5K run and a 1.5 mile walk; proceeds benefit Gaelic Park Charities.
December 2026
Trail event at Timber Pointe Nature Center in Hudson IL on 12/05/2026 offering 8K, 4K and a multi-lap 3 hour format; partial proceeds benefit the nature center.
Four winter trail races in Dixon, IL across December to March with 5K, 10K, 15K and 20K options, series awards, completion apparel, and a nonrefundable registration policy.
A 7.8 mile trail run through Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton, IL on 12/12/2026 with packet pickup, pre race coffee and post race awards held in the park lodge. The event is planned to run in most weather conditions.
A 4.5 mile trail race at Schiller Woods on December 12, 2026 with crushed limestone trails, postrace chili and awards.
A multi-discipline event at Sylvan Island, Moline on December 12, 2026 featuring a 4.5 mile run, a 13.5 mile fat bike race, and a combined duo; proceeds support youth cycling.
A free, self navigated 50K in Peoria with GPX routes, an 18 mile option, occasional on route support, and a prize for the first verified full course finisher.