Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2026-2027

Celebrate 16 years of the Cactus Classic Trail Races in the sandy pine forests of Sand Ridge State Forest. Choose from marathon, half marathon, or 10K distances on a course named for the wild cactus found throughout the park. Packet pickup..

Hit the trails at The Forge for the Muddy Shamrock races. Choose between a half marathon or quarter marathon on wooded, adventurous paths near the Lemont Quarries. Enjoy chip timing and a post-race celebration.

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.

Event Overview Tour de Trails is a series of four winter trail runs held on Saturdays from December 2025 to March 2026. Each race is held at a different forest preserve or park in the Rockford, Illinois area. Participants can register for i..

The Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series concludes with a 10K trail race at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. Runners tackle a mixed terrain course with potential winter conditions. Finishers earn a medal and swag, with special gear for..

Race against the clock on a 2.25-mile alternating loop trail in Lowell Park. Choose the 8-hour 806, the 3-hour 314, or form a relay team. Finishers within the time limit earn unique apparel.

Take on the scenic trails of Clinton Lake State Recreation Area with the Clinton Lake Ultra. Choose between a challenging 30-mile or a 10-mile loop course through forests and meadows. It's a cup-free, community focused event with a mandator..

Explore scenic Carpenter Park on a well-marked trail run with 5K and 10K options. The race offers views of the Sangamon River, woodland paths, and wildlife sightings. It's the first event in a three-race trail series, with all finishers rec..

Event Overview The Potawatomi Trail Runs take place from April 9 to 12, 2026, at McNaughton Park in Pekin, Illinois. This event marks its 25th year. Distances The event offers several trail running distances: 200 Miler 150 Miler 100 Miler..

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.

Celebrate Earth Day on the trails at Veteran Acres park. Choose from a 50K, 15-mile, or 5-mile loop on scenic single-track. The event focuses on being landfill-free and offers awards for top finishers.

Loud Thunder 50 offers three trail distances through the rugged terrain of Loud Thunder Forest Preserve. The loop course features significant elevation and fully stocked aid stations. Camping is available right at the start and finish line.

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 whimsical trail run in Deer Grove Forest Preserve featuring four distances on a wide, non-technical looped course. The event, organized by CUSS Running, includes inclusive community initiatives. One aid station at the start/finish support..

Run or walk to support Anderson Humane at their largest fundraiser. Choose a timed 5K run or bring your dog for a 1.5-mile walk along the Batavia Riverwalk. The event includes awards, a lure course, and activities for animal lovers.

Run a flat, out-and-back course on the historic Great Western Trail. Choose from a half-marathon or 10K distance. Your registration supports local mental health charities.

The Spring Stampede is a 5k/10k trail race in Wildlife Prairie Park. The courses loop through the park on trails, with the 10k offering a more challenging second half. Park admission is included with entry.

A trail marathon and a 10 mile race at Teason's Woods in Palos Hills on May 9, 2026, using the Sag Valley Trail. Wide horse trails, multiple aid stations, pre assigned race day packet pickup, and a unique wooden finisher medal.