Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2026-2027

A winter trail 3.1 mile race at Willenborg Woods near Charleston, IL, with steep climbs and over 900 feet of elevation gain. The course is fully marked, includes a stream crossing, and recommends trail shoes and warm layers.

A winter 3k snowshoe run/walk at the Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena. The event features divisions for snowshoe and non-snowshoe participants, with awards for top finishers. Registration includes a custom knit hat.

Celebrate Fat Tuesday with a themed run in Bloomington. The event offers 5K and 10K distances on the Constitution Trail. Participants earn Mardi Gras beads and can enjoy a post-run drink at Keg Grove.

An 8K winter trail race at Oakhurst Forest Preserve on February 21, 2026. The course starts with a steep sledding hill and may include snow, ice, or mud, with finish-line water, snacks, and a finisher medal.

A four-race winter trail series around Rockford, Illinois, from Dec 20, 2025 to Mar 21, 2026. Distances range from 3 to 12 miles across local forest preserves, with a series entry option available.

Trail races through the sandy pine forests of Sand Ridge State Forest near Manito, IL on March 7, 2026. Distances include a 10K, half marathon and marathon with aid stations, age group awards and finishers medals for the longer distances.

Trail races at The Forge in Lemont offer a wooded course around the Lemont Quarries with a half and quarter marathon on single and double track. Varied terrain includes gravel, rocks, mud and short technical climbs; trail shoes and personal..

Blarney Blitz is a St. Patrick's Day themed 5K Run/Walk in Peoria, running along the Riverfront Trail with a post-race party at Kelleher's Irish Pub. The event benefits Crew 309 and is organized by ShaZam Racing.

A four-race winter trail series around Rockford, Illinois, from Dec 20, 2025 to Mar 21, 2026. Distances range from 3 to 12 miles across local forest preserves, with a series entry option available.

A 10K trail race at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles on March 22, 2026. Final event of a three race winter series with mixed terrain, finish line water and snacks, and finisher medals plus winter gear for series finishers.

Timed loop trail races at Lowell Park in Dixon, IL include 33.75-mile and 13.5-mile options plus a relay. Single track loops alternate direction each lap and a staffed aid station provides drinks and snacks.

Clinton Lake Ultra on March 28, 2026 in DeWitt, IL features a 30 mile and a 10 mile trail race on three 10 mile loops, two aid stations per loop, mandatory volunteer service, race awards, and event swag.

Trail races at Carpenter Park on April 4 2026 offering 5K and 10K routes with river and woodland views. It is the first event in the All American Trail Trek Series and includes a race T-shirt and finisher medal.

A multi-distance trail event at McNaughton Park in Pekin, Illinois on April 9 to 12, 2026. Runners do 10 mile loops of single-track, prairies, creek crossings and rolling hills with aid stations and on-site primitive camping.

Ondessonk Trail Races on April 11, 2026 at Camp Ondessonk in Ozark, Illinois features a half marathon, Manchester 10k, 5k, and a one-mile fun run around Lake Echon for families.

A weekend of in-person and virtual races in Monticello, Illinois, featuring a trail and road Half Marathon, 10K, and a nighttime Trail-Glo 5K. The event benefits Robert Allerton Park and supports Make-A-Wish Illinois.

Trail races on a 5 mile loop at Veterans Acres in Crystal Lake, IL offering 50K, 15 mile, and 5 mile options with one major aid station and age group awards. Registration closes April 10.

A trail event at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve near Illinois City, IL offering a 50 mile, 50K, and half marathon on a 13.3 mile loop with mostly natural trail, two aid stations, camping at the Horse Corral Campground, and online-only registr..

Run a USATF certified 10K through the scenic Morton Arboretum. Celebrate at a post race party with live music and refreshments. A fundraising option supports the arboretum's mission.

A looped trail race at Deer Grove Forest Preserve near Palatine, IL offering 10K, 25K, 50K and 50 mile options on soft gravel loops with a single aid station per lap and inclusive entry policies.