Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2025-2026

Run through snow and ice this winter in the Tour de Trails, a four race series around Rockford and Byron from Dec 20 to Mar 21. Choose 3, 6, 9 or 12 mile courses and support the Rockford Road Runners.

Run the Kennekuk Road Runners Siberian Express, a 7.45 mile winter trail through Kickapoo State Park with steep climbs, creek crossings and wildlife. First 150 finishers receive awards and post race festivities are at Vermilion Brewing.

Run winter single track in Crystal Lake at the Frozen Gnome on Jan 10, a Triple Black Diamond loop through Veteran Acres. Choose 50K, 10K or 50K relays for teams of 2 or 5 and warm up at the Gnome Depot with hot food and coffee.

Kick off your trail season in Crystal Lake with the 50K MASHUP SLAM on January 10, 2026. Join a Midwest series of challenging 50K and 53K races that reward cumulative finish times and finisher buckles.

Brave winter woods with Tour de Trails, a four race trail series around Rockford offering 3, 6, 9 and 12 mile courses on natural snowy and icy trails. Choose single races or a full series and support Rockford Road Runners community programs..

Tackle the Fox Valley Winter Challenge 5K at Dick Young Forest Preserve, the first of a three race trail series that may feature snow, slush or mud. Finishers get a medal and single race entrants receive a cozy winter hat.

Chill out and race the Frozen Tundra IPA 5K along the Des Plaines River Trail in Lincolnshire, then warm up at a lively post race party at Half Day Brewing with beer, food and prizes. Limited to 300 spots so register early.

Take on the Frozen Cock's Crow 5K, a wintry route through rugged, steep trails at Willenborg Woods near Charleston, Illinois. Expect technical climbs, friendly trail support and a warm post race celebration to reward your effort.

Run the Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 8K in Aurora on Feb 21, the middle race on a scenic but wintry trail with woods, open paths and possible snow or mud. All finishers get a medal and single race participants receive a cozy win..

Brave winter woods with Tour de Trails, a four race trail series around Rockford offering 3, 6, 9 and 12 mile courses on natural snowy and icy trails. Choose single races or a full series and support Rockford Road Runners community programs..

Celebrate the 16th Cactus Classic Trail Races on Mar 7, 2026 at Sand Ridge State Forest in Manito, IL. Choose marathon, half marathon or 10K and run scenic sandy pine trails dotted with wild cactus for a memorable spring trail experience.

Get muddy on wooded single and double track through the historic Lemont Quarries at Muddy Shamrock at The Forge with a half marathon or quarter marathon. Expect rugged terrain, chip timing, awards, a tee and a lively post race party.

Take on the Skunk Ape 806 314 Trail Race at Lowell Park with 33.75 mile and 13.5 mile solo options or a team 806 relay. Alternate wooded loops, enjoy hearty aid station fare and finisher swag, and chase podium awards and great camaraderie.

Brave winter woods with Tour de Trails, a four race trail series around Rockford offering 3, 6, 9 and 12 mile courses on natural snowy and icy trails. Choose single races or a full series and support Rockford Road Runners community programs..

Wrap up winter on scenic mixed trails at the Fox Valley Winter Challenge 10K in St. Charles on March 22, 2026. Expect varied footing, a finisher medal and cozy winter hat, plus bundle pricing if you tackled other series races.

Chauncey’s 4 at The Farm is a friendly spring trail run at St James Farm in Winfield, IL, featuring a scenic 4 mile loop over limestone and wooded paths. Join the Dick Pond Trail Race Series and earn a collectible finisher woodallion.

Run scenic single track loops around Clinton Lake near DeWitt, IL through forests, hills and meadows with a bridge connecting the course. Choose the 30 Miler or 10 Mile, enjoy post race food and a long sleeved finisher item.

Potawatomi Trail Runs in Pekin IL celebrates 25 years with distances from 10 to 200 miles. Run scenic 10 mile single track loops through prairies and creeks, and earn shirts, medals, buckles and jackets for the longest finishes.

Hit scenic trails at the 16th annual Ondessonk Trail Races on April 11, 2026 at Camp Ondessonk in Ozark IL. Choose from a half marathon, Manchester 10k, 5k, or One Mile Fun Run through forests, canyons and around Lake Echon.

Enjoy scenic road and trail courses at Allerton Races in Monticello with a Half Marathon, 10K and a nighttime Trail Glo 5K. Proceeds benefit Robert Allerton Park and Make A Wish Illinois, and virtual options are available.