Illinois
Illinois Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Illinois for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 85 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 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.
January 2027
A 7.45 miles mostly trail race at Kickapoo State Recreation Area featuring steep hills, creek crossings, no aid stations, and on site race day registration.
Winter single track races in Crystal Lake, IL featuring a 10K loop and a 50K of five laps, with a staffed aid station offering hot soup and finisher medals.
Winter trail racing at Independence Park in Marquette Heights with 2 hour and 8 hour trail events; registration runs Oct 22 2026 to Jan 13 2027.
A winter trail series at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia featuring 5K, 8K, and 10K races on separate dates in early 2027, with combined registration and a series swag reward program.