Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2026-2027

Timed four-hour and eight-hour loop trail races at Chestnut Mountain Resort with scenic river views, looped laps, post-race music and meal, included shirt and finisher medal, and awards for mileage and costumes.

A timed endurance trail event near Willow Springs on a 4 mile loop with single and double track, rolling hills, a signature aid station offering snacks and drinks, and a mandatory reusable cup policy.

Operation GRANITE X at Tri-Township Park on May 16, 2026 uses repeated 6 mile loops made of three 2 mile laps. Two divisions are offered: a heavy, escalating weight format and an endurance format; entry totals $213.87.

A chip timed *10K* trail run at The Forge Lemont Quarries featuring mostly crushed limestone surfaces, wooded scenery, competitive overall and age group awards, and a 450 participant capacity.

A multiwave obstacle course at Byron Motosports Park offering 10K, 5K, ruck, and kids divisions, with Special Forces and Endurance competitive formats and team entry packs available.

A Backyard Ultra at Willenborg Woods in Charleston, IL on May 30, 2026 where runners repeat a 4.167 mile trail loop each hour until one finisher earns a Bronze Ticket toward the Big Dog's Backyard Ultra World Championship.

An 8K trail race entirely within Lincoln Memorial Garden near Lake Springfield with wood-chipped and gravel trails and plank bridges. A Kids Fun Run offers three pond-loop distances; the 8K is limited to 300 participants and includes a shir..

Trail races at Giant City State Park include a new 5k, a half marathon loop, and a 40k two loop option on mostly single track with creek crossings, aid stations, cupless format, and optional t shirts.

Dirt Circus Chicago on May 30, 2026 in Crystal Lake, IL gathers the local trail running community for a social run, expo, food, raffle, and vendor booths. Two route options and a city specific t shirt preorder are available.

A 3.1 mile cross country 5K across grass and paved paths on the Lincoln Trail College campus, plus a one mile Kid's Fun Run around the pond. Age group medals and overall prizes are listed for the 5K.

A donut-themed family run and walk on May 30, 2026 at Kankakee Community College supporting Catholic Charities. Options include a 5K, a 2K, and a virtual participation option; youth entries are free.

A trail running event at Saw Wee Kee Park in Yorkville on June 6, 2026. The soft, twisting path is bib timed with staggered starts and is part of a four run series that awards pieces of a 2026 medal and seasonal swag.

A community 5K on June 6, 2026 in Joliet along the Rock Run Greenway Trail with start and finish at Cemeno's Pizza. Proceeds benefit the Pat Clark Cancer Foundation to support local cancer patients and families.

A trail race at Hickory Knolls Nature Area offering 5K, 10K and a 10K two person relay on marked dirt grass and gravel paths; proceeds support the St Charles Park Foundation.

Experience the local trail community at Kinsey Park with a four mile loop featuring rolling hills and themed stretches. This event offers a great introduction to the local ultramarathon scene in Peoria.

A backyard ultra at Kinsey Park in Peoria where runners complete a 4.16 mile single track loop each hour until one runner remains. The trail is fully single track with small rolling hills and a Wizard of Oz theme.

Experience an authentic cross country race on a purpose built grass course in Geneva Illinois. Run as an individual or part of a team on this wide professional grade venue featuring rolling terrain and a classic atmosphere.

A chip timed 5K at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard and Winery on June 14, 2026 with a two lap course over grass and uneven terrain. Registration includes a shirt, collapsible wine glass, finisher medal and a pour of wine; age group awards and a ch..

Trail races at Wolf Road Woods on June 27, 2026 offer three loop choices covering 3, 6 and 9 miles with varied off-road surfaces, tiered registration fees and post-race refreshments and awards.

A community 5k on June 27, 2026 in Carrier Mills, Illinois offering a 5k run and a 5k walk to support the local cross country team, with registration fee of $25, a T-shirt deadline of June 13, and awards for top finishers.