Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2026-2027

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.

Trail races at Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City, Illinois offering 5 km and 10 km options with included park admission, age group and overall awards, water stations, post race snacks, and volunteer opportunities.

Trail marathon and 10 mile on the Sag Valley Trail at Teason's Woods featuring substantial elevation, multiple aid stations, sunflower shirts and wooden finisher sunflowers, plus post race chili, beer and awards.

A Second Wind Running Club event on May 9, 2026, the Buffalo Trace Trail Race follows an approximately 5-mile course through woods and prairie at Lake of the Woods; registration is available online and proceeds benefit the Forest Preserve F..

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 features 6 mile loops made of three two mile laps. Two divisions are offered, one with escalating weight and one focused on endurance.

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.

Frontline OCR at Byron Motosports Park on May 23, 2026 offers 10K and 5K obstacle courses, a ruck division, a kids mile, Special Forces and Heroes waves, plus team entry packs, organized by a 501(c)(3) foundation.

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.

Experience a seasonal trail run through the natural twists and turns of Saw Wee Kee Park. Complete this bib timed race to earn a piece of the 2026 series medal and enjoy the summer landscape.

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.

Trail race at Hickory Knolls Nature Area in St Charles with 5K, 10K, and a 2 person 10K relay on June 7 2026. The course runs on dirt, grass and gravel paths with marked loops and limited on course water.

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 7.1 mile trail loop around Lake Mingo at Kennekuk Cove County Park featuring mostly trail surface, hills, nine bridges, one midway aid station, and finisher medals for the first 150 finishers; a post-race party follows.

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.