Illinois
Illinois Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Illinois for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 98 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Illinois below and join the trail community at these great events!
August 2026
Aug 22 to 23, 2026 trail weekend at Camp Ondessonk near Ozark, IL featuring multiple ultramarathon distances, rugged single track, staffed aid stations, and included treehouse lodging.
A day of looped trail events at Comlara near Hudson, IL, with timed options from one hour to twelve hours, a relay race, and an open course option. Runners complete roughly four mile loops and must return each hour to continue.
Trail running at Paul Douglas Preserve on August 23, 2026, with approximate 4, 9.5, and 13 mile single-track courses.
A mud obstacle event on August 29, 2026 at Richardson Adventure Farm offering 5K, 15K, timed Infinity laps, Mudder Village, and finisher rewards.
Loop based trail event at Half Day Forest Preserve where runners repeat a 3.1 mile loop, stop after any loop with no penalty, and receive official timing for each completed loop for combined results.
Experience an all terrain trail race through the scenic Big Horse Vineyards featuring natural obstacles and mud. Choose between a competitive 5K or a social beer mile followed by wine tasting in Central Illinois.
A 6 km cross-country race at Lovelace Park in Evanston with scholastic races, team and individual entries, race shirts, awards, and a post-race gathering with food.
September 2026
Test your limits at Decker Farm with a grueling combination of military boot camp and farm chores. Choose between 4, 12, or 36 hour endurance challenges featuring heavy carries and undisclosed physical tasks.
Trail 5K and 10K at Franklin Creek State Natural Area with multiple creek crossings and water points; proceeds support the Franklin Creek Conservation Association.
USATF certified half marathon and 10K on crushed limestone trails at Danada Forest Preserve with chip timing, pacers, shuttle parking and finisher medals.
A 5K trail loop at Rolling Meadows Farm on September 5, 2026, running along the Sangamon River and near the historic Sangamo Town site. Registration runs from June 9 to August 23, with a $35 fee.
A 3 mile grass cross country run/walk over rolling hills behind Chrisman High School, with proceeds supporting the school's cross country and track programs.
A community run at Woodland Middle School in Gurnee on September 11, 2026, offering a 5K, 1 Mile, and a shirt only option. Proceeds support the Woodland PTA and confidential financial assistance for fees is available.
A three day trail event at Rock Cut State Park featuring a night 10 km plus 25 km and 50 km races, with single race entries and Triple Crown series options that award commemorative spike prizes to finishers.
A timed ultrarun in Chicago with 3 hour, 6 hour and 12 hour options on a roughly one mile loop, hourly playful challenges, on-course aid and relay team choices.
A last person standing loop race at Ferne Clyffe State Park with 4.167 mile loops and about 600 feet of climbing per loop. Night laps require a headlamp and reflective vest and registration is capped at 75.
Experience the 46th annual trail run through Kickapoo State Recreation Area featuring a scenic pond loop and a longer 95 percent trail course with creek crossings and steep hills.
Experience fast rolling terrain at the Sand Creek Trail Run in Decatur. Choose between 4.4 and 7.6 mile distances to support the Special Operations Warrior Foundation through the scenic Macon County Conservation District.
A four hour looped trail event at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve offering a 1 mile loop with rugged single track, significant elevation per loop, on-course aid, and awards.
Turbo Trot in Geneva offers a 2.5 mile run, a 1 mile kids race and a mini road race rally for ages 3 to 8, with shirts, awards and a scholarship fundraiser.