Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2024-2025

The Arctic Frog Run in Libertyville, IL, is an exciting endurance running event featuring multiple race distances: 50K, 25K, 15K, 10K, and 5K. Set against a scenic backdrop, the course includes a mix of pavement, wooded trails, and crushed limestone paths along the Des Plaines River. This unique win..

The Tour de Trails is a series of running events organized by the Rockford Road Runners in Rockford, IL. This event features multiple race distances, including 3-mile, 6-mile, 9-mile, and 12-mile options, catering to runners of various skill levels. The races are part of the 2025 Circuit and are des..

The Kennekuk Road Runners - Siberian Express is an annual running event taking place in Oakwood, Illinois. Established in 1984, this race features a challenging 7.45-mile course that is predominantly trail, offering participants a scenic experience through the Kickapoo State Recreation Area. The eve..

The Frozen Gnome is a challenging winter running event held in Crystal Lake, IL, featuring a scenic course through Veteran Acres and Sterne’s Woods. Participants can choose between a 50K ultra run or a 10K race, both rated as "Triple Black Diamond" for their difficulty. The 50K consists of five loop..

The 50K Mashup Slam is a series of 50K trail races held throughout the Midwest, designed to celebrate the often-overlooked distance in ultrarunning. The series kicks off in January with the Frozen Gnome 50K and concludes in November with the Miner 49er 50K. Participants who complete all five races i..

The F^3 @ the Forge: Fat Tire Race & 10K Trail Run is set to take place on January 12, 2025, in Lemont, Illinois. This exciting winter event features multiple races, including the long and short courses for the Fat Tire Bike Race, as well as the F^3 Forge 10K Winter Trail Run. Participants can expec..

The Muddy Shamrock @ The Forge is an exciting trail running event scheduled for March 15, 2025, in Lemont, Illinois. This annual race features two main events: a Trail Half Marathon and a Trail Quarter Marathon, both set against the scenic backdrop of the historic Lemont Quarries. Participants will ..

The Skunk Ape 806/314 Trail Race is an exciting running event taking place on March 22, 2025, at Lowell Park in Dixon, IL. 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 uni..

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, taking place from April 10 to 13, 2025, in Pekin, IL, offers a variety of ultra-distance races including 200, 150, 100, 50, 30, and 10-mile options. The course features a challenging 10-mile loop with single track dirt paths, rolling hills, and creek crossings, providing a..

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 p..

The Loud Thunder 50 is a trail running event taking place on April 19, 2025, at the Loud Thunder Forest Preserve in Illinois City, IL. Participants can choose from three challenging distances: 50 miles, 50K, and a half marathon, all set against the scenic backdrop of the Mississippi River. The event..

The Earth Day 50K/15 Mile/5 Mile event, taking place in Crystal Lake, IL, offers participants a choice of three race distances. The course features a scenic 5-mile loop through rolling hills and single-track trails, designed to challenge runners while promoting an eco-friendly atmosphere. The event ..

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 aims to foster a sense of community and joy in ultraru..

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 F^3 Cap Sauers Trail Marathon & 10 Mile is a running event scheduled for May 10, 2025, in Palos Hills, Illinois. Participants can choose between a full marathon (26.2 miles) and a 10-mile race, both set within the scenic Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve, the largest undeveloped area in Cook Co..

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 tackling challenging trails. Participants can run as many loops as possible within the..

The Chicago 7-11 Hour Endurance Run is an exciting trail running event taking place at Wolf Road Woods in Willow Springs, IL. Participants can choose between a 7-hour or an 11-hour endurance challenge, navigating a scenic 4-mile loop through restored forests and historic preserves. The event emphasi..

The Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra is an official running event taking place in Charleston, IL. This unique race format challenges participants to complete a 4.167-mile loop within one hour, continuing until only one runner remains. The course features groomed grass and dirt trails during the d..

The Pinetum Mind Games Endurance Event is a unique running challenge held at Lowell Park in Dixon, IL, featuring a .411-mile loop course. Participants can choose to compete solo or in relay teams over 6, 12, or 24 hours, testing their mental and physical endurance. The event encourages runners to pu..