Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2025-2026

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, featuring multiple race distances: 50 Miler, 50K, 25K, and 10K. The course consists of wide paths, making it accessible for participants of varying skill levels. The event aims to foster a sens..

The Earth Day 50K/15 Mile/5 Mile event, taking place in Crystal Lake, IL, offers participants a choice of three challenging race distances. Set in a scenic environment, the course features rolling hills and single-track trails, designed to provide an exhilarating experience for runners. The event pr..

The Pioneer Trail 5K Run/5K Walk/Fun Run, organized by the Trico High School Cross Country team, is set to take place in Campbell Hill, Illinois. This annual fundraising event features a 3.1-mile mixed surface course, providing participants with a true cross-country experience. Runners can choose to..

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 Fox River Trail Runners, is a popular race held annually on the scenic Great Western Trail. With a history spanning over 25 years, the event features a flat, out-and-back course that attracts runners of all levels. Participants can choose between t..

The Spring Stampede 10K is an exciting trail running event taking place at Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City, Illinois. Scheduled for May 4, 2025, this inaugural race offers participants a chance to experience the scenic beauty of the park while competing in a 10K trail run. The event is organized..

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 Galena Sky Trail Races, set for May 17, 2025, offer an exciting challenge for trail running enthusiasts at Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, IL. Participants can choose between an 8-hour or 4-hour timed loop course, featuring scenic views of the Mississippi River. The event includes a festive..

The Chicago 7-11 Hour Endurance Run, organized by Yeti Trail Runners, is a unique trail running event set in Willow Springs, IL. Participants can choose between a 7-hour or 11-hour endurance challenge, navigating a scenic 4-mile loop through the picturesque Wolf Road Woods and Palos Preserves. The e..

The Red Cedar Trail Half Marathon and 38k takes place at Giant City State Park in Makanda, Illinois, offering a scenic and challenging course primarily on the Red Cedar Trail. Scheduled for May 24, 2025, the event features a half marathon and a 38k race, with a new second loop added for increased di..

The Trail Trot Cross Country 5K and Kid's Fun Run is an exciting running event taking place at the Crawford County Recreation Center in Robinson, Illinois. This inaugural event features a 5K cross country race that traverses the scenic Lincoln Trail College campus, primarily on grass with some paved..

The Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra is an exciting trail running event set in the scenic Willenborg Woods in Charleston, IL. Participants will tackle a 4.167-mile loop every hour, with the last runner standing earning a Bronze Ticket to the prestigious Big Dog's Backyard Ultra World Championship..

Glazin' the Trail is a family-friendly run/walk event taking place at Kankakee Community College in Illinois. Scheduled for May 31, 2025, this fun-filled morning features a donut-themed atmosphere, encouraging participants to enjoy the scenic trails along the Kankakee River. The event includes a 5K..

The Lincoln Memorial Garden Trail Race 8K is set to take place in Springfield, Illinois, on June 7, 2025. This event features an 8K trail race that winds through the scenic trails of the Lincoln Memorial Garden, alongside Lake Springfield, and across the Ostermeier Prairie Center grounds. Participan..

The Yellowbrick Backyard Ultra is an exciting running event taking place in Peoria, Illinois, at Kinsey Park, known for its whimsical Wizard of Oz theme. This unique "last runner standing" race features a 4.16-mile loop that starts every hour, challenging participants to complete each lap within the..

The Hickory Knolls Trail Run, taking place on June 8, 2025, at the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles, IL, features a 5K, 10K, and a 10K relay event. Participants can enjoy a scenic course that includes grass and dirt trails, with a mix of flat sections and hills.The event is part of the..

The Pinetum Mind Games Endurance Event is an exciting running challenge held at Lowell Park in Dixon, IL. Participants can choose to compete in 6, 12, or 24-hour formats, either solo or as part of a relay team. The course consists of a .411-mile loop designed to test mental and physical endurance, e..

The Chupacabra Trail Races, set in Dixon, IL, offers a unique night running experience on August 2, 2025. Participants can choose from various distances: 5 miles, 10 miles, 15 miles, or a 15-mile relay team option. The course features a mix of grass, gravel, and dirt, with a single track section.Run..

The Shawnee Hills Trail Races, taking place on August 23-24, 2025, at Camp Ondessonk in Ozark, IL, offers a variety of challenging distances including a 100-mile, 100K, 50K, and half marathon. Set in the picturesque Shawnee National Forest, participants will navigate a technical course featuring stu..