Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2026-2027

Experience an illuminated night obstacle race in Mchenry featuring torch lit trails and technical rigs. Participants can enjoy live entertainment and bonfires after completing their 5k or unlimited lap challenge.

The Hearts Desire 6-Hour Endurance Run in Herrin is a timed event where runners complete as many 1.3-mile paved loops as possible. All participants get a t-shirt, and awards are given for the most loops completed. Refreshments are available..

Experience the Three Ravines Course at Wolf Road Woods with distance options of 3.1 or 5.4 miles. This family friendly trail event features a mix of single track terrain and a post race celebration with craft brews.

Test your discipline in this 6 hour trail challenge where you must complete a 5K every hour to stay in the race. Earn unique patches and medals while navigating the natural terrain of Deer Grove East.

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 8 hour and 4 hour loop trail events at Chestnut Mountain Resort near Galena, Illinois, with 2.91 and 0.6 mile loops, timing-based mileage awards, a finisher medal, and an on-site meal and after party.

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 through mostly crushed limestone trails and wooded scenery at The Forge Lemont Quarries near Lemont, IL. Part of the Chicago Racing Circuit with overall and age group awards and a 450 runner 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 near Charleston, IL, run on a repeating 4.167 mile loop each hour until one runner remains. The final finisher receives a Bronze Ticket tied to a backyard ultra championship.

Experience the historic landscapes of Springfield at the Lincoln Memorial Garden Trail Race 8K. Run through scenic lakeside trails and prairie grounds followed by a medallion finish and post race refreshments.

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.

Join the free Dirt Circus community running festival in Crystal Lake on May 30, 2026. Choose between a 4.3-mile or 6.8-mile social group run, then enjoy a festival with food, an expo of local brands, and a raffle. Meet race directors and co..

This cross-country event offers a scenic 5K run through Lincoln Trail College, featuring a mix of grass and paved paths. A shorter Kid's Fun Run is also available on the paved course. Awards are given for overall and age group winners, and..

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.

This 5K run/walk takes place on the Rock Run Greenway Trail in Joliet, starting and ending at Cemeno's Pizza. All proceeds support local cancer patients through the Pat Clark Cancer Foundation. Registration includes a T-shirt and finisher m..