Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2025-2026

The Bald Unyielding Twilight Trail Trial is an exciting ultra-running event taking place at the Bald Hill Prairie Preserve in Mount Morris, Illinois. Scheduled for February 22-23, 2025, this unique race features timed segments of 3, 6, and 12 hours, allowing participants to test their endurance in t..

The Cactus Classic Trail Races, celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2025, offers a challenging and enjoyable running experience through the scenic Sand Ridge State Forest in Manito, IL. Participants can choose from a marathon, half marathon, or 10K distance, navigating trails characterized by loose..

The Muddy Shamrock @ The Forge is an exciting trail running event taking place in Lemont, Illinois, featuring a Trail Half Marathon and a Trail Quarter Marathon. Set against the scenic backdrop of the historic Lemont Quarries, participants will navigate through wooded single and double-track trails,..

The Skunk Ape 806/314 Trail Race is a unique running event taking place on March 22, 2025, at Lowell Park in Dixon, IL. Participants can choose between two challenging distances: 33.75 miles to be completed in 8 hours and 6 minutes, or 13.5 miles in 3 hours and 14 minutes. The race features a 2.25-m..

The Schon Park 3/6/9 Endurance Runs, hosted by Ultra Bound Coaching, is an exciting endurance event taking place in Glen Carbon, IL. Participants can choose from three timed events: a 3-hour, 6-hour, or 9-hour run, all set on a 1.5-mile looped course featuring paved paths and rolling hills. The even..

The Clinton Lake Ultra is an exciting trail running event taking place at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area in DeWitt, IL. Scheduled for March 29, 2025, the event features two challenging races: a 30-mile and a 10-mile course, both set on scenic trails with significant elevation gain. Participants..

The Potawatomi Trail Runs is an exciting multi-distance trail running event taking place from April 10 to 13, 2025, at McNaughton Park in Pekin, Illinois. Participants can choose from various distances, including 200, 150, 100, 50, 30, and 10 miles, all set on a challenging 10-mile loop featuring si..

The Allerton Races is a running event taking place in Monticello, Illinois, featuring a variety of races including a Half Marathon, 10K, and a nighttime Trail-Glo 5K. Participants can also choose virtual options for the Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. This event supports Robert Allerton Park and has a c..

The Loud Thunder 50 is a trail running event taking place on April 19, 2025, at the Loud Thunder Forest Preserve in Illinois City, IL. Participants can choose from three challenging distances: 50 miles, 50K, and a half marathon. The event aims to provide a rewarding experience while showcasing the p..

The Earth Day 50K/15 Mile/5 Mile event, taking place in Crystal Lake, IL, offers runners a choice of three distances to celebrate Earth Day. The race features a scenic 5-mile loop course that includes single track and rolling hills, with a major aid station providing refreshments. Participants are e..

Childish Nonsense is a whimsical running event taking place at Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine, IL. Participants can choose from various distances, including a 50 Miler, 50K, 25K, and 10K, all set on a wide, non-technical trail. The event aims to foster a sense of community and joy in ultraru..

The Hearts Desire 6-Hour Endurance Run is an exciting running event taking place at the Herrin Sports Complex in Herrin, Illinois. Participants will race on a flat, paved 1.3-mile loop course, aiming to complete the most laps within six hours. Awards will be presented to the top three overall finish..

The Great Western Half-Marathon & 10K, organized by the Fox River Trail Runners, is a well-established running event held on the scenic Great Western Trail. Celebrating over 25 years, this competitive race features a flat, out-and-back course, making it accessible for runners of all levels. Schedule..

The Spring Stampede 10K is an inaugural trail run taking place at Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City, Illinois. Scheduled for May 4, 2025, this event is organized by the Illinois Valley Striders and is part of a Grand Prix series. Participants can enjoy a scenic 10K course through the park's beauti..

The F^3 Cap Sauers Trail Marathon & 10 Mile is set to take place in Palos Hills, IL, on May 10, 2025. This event features a challenging marathon and a 10-mile race, both traversing the scenic Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve, the largest undeveloped area in Cook County. Participants will experienc..

The Galena Sky Trail Races, set for May 17, 2025, offer an exciting challenge for trail runners at Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, IL. Participants can choose between an 8-hour or 4-hour timed loop course, featuring scenic views of the Mississippi River. The event includes a festive atmosphere w..

The Chicago Yeti 7-11 Hour Endurance Run is a unique trail running event that combines endurance, camaraderie, and a fun atmosphere. Set in Willow Springs, Illinois, participants can choose between 7-hour and 11-hour races on a scenic 4-mile loop through the Palos Preserves. The course features a mi..

The Red Cedar Trail Half Marathon and 38k takes place at Giant City State Park in Makanda, Illinois, on May 24, 2025. This trail running event features a half marathon and a 38k race, primarily utilizing the scenic Red Cedar Trail. The course includes a mix of single track, gravel roads, and horse t..

The Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra is an exciting trail running event set in the scenic Willenborg Woods, Charleston, IL. Participants tackle a 4.167-mile loop every hour, with the last runner standing earning a Bronze Ticket to the prestigious Big Dog's Backyard Ultra World Championship. The c..

The Yellowbrick Backyard Ultra is a unique running event taking place in Peoria, Illinois, at Kinsey Park, featuring a whimsical Wizard of Oz theme. This "last runner standing" race consists of 4.16-mile loops starting every hour until only one runner remains. Participants must return to the start l..