Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2025-2026

The Frozen Tundra IPA 5K is an exciting running event taking place in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Participants can enjoy a brisk 5K run, with all runners receiving a long sleeve shirt, a finisher medal, and a $15 gift card to local establishments. The event also features a lively post-race party, comple..

The Frozen Cock's Crow 5K is a unique winter trail running event held at Willenborg Woods in Charleston, IL. This 3.1-mile race features challenging terrain, including steep ascents like the "Stairway to Heaven" and "Billy Goat Gruff," with over 700 feet of elevation gain. Participants can expect a ..

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 nighttime race features three timed events: a 3-hour, 6-hour, and 12-hour challenge, allowing particip..

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, IL, featuring a Trail Half Marathon and a Trail Quarter Marathon. Scheduled for March 15, 2025, this fourth annual race promises a challenging course through scenic wooded trails, including single and double-tr..

The Skunk Ape 806/314 Trail Race is a unique running event taking place on March 22, 2025, in Dixon, Illinois. 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-mile loop ..

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 ultra and a 10-mile run, both set on scenic trails with significant elevation gain. Participan..

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

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 Loud Thunder Forest Preserve in Illinois City, IL. Participants can choose from three race distances: 50 miles, 50K, and a half marathon, all set against the scenic backdrop of the Mississippi River. The event emphasizes..

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 emphasizes community and inclusivity, offering free en..

The Earth Day 50K/15 Mile/5 Mile event, taking place on April 26, 2025, in Crystal Lake, IL, offers participants a choice of three race distances. The course features a scenic 5-mile loop through single track and rolling hills, designed to challenge runners while promoting a landfill-free environmen..

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 running event taking place at Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City, Illinois. Scheduled for May 4, 2025, this race is organized by the Illinois Valley Striders and is part of a Grand Prix series. Participants can enjoy a scenic 10K course while engaging i..

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 Trails for Tails 5K is a charitable running event taking place at Weldon Springs State Park in Clinton, Illinois. This race aims to support the DeWitt County Animal Shelter and Second Chance for Pets. Participants can enjoy a scenic 5K run, with registration priced at $35. Additionally, there wi..

The Galena Sky Trail Races, taking place at Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, IL, features an 8-hour and a 4-hour timed loop course, offering runners a chance to enjoy scenic views of the Mississippi River while navigating challenging trails. Participants can run as many loops as possible within t..

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..