Trail Running calendar near Aurora 2025-2026

Join Strong As Oak and Varsity Rush at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora on Dec 6, 2025 for 5K and 10K trail races plus kids events on mixed terrain. Hilly course, varied surfaces and finisher medals for all.

Warm up your winter running at the Frozen Feet 5k Trail Run on January 3 at Creek Ridge County Park. Enjoy two chilly looped trails with a few hills, grab a free winter hat and gloves, and refuel with snacks and drinks after the finish.

Challenge winter single track trails at Veteran Acres and Sterne's Woods in Crystal Lake on a triple black diamond course offering 50K, 10K and relays. The 50K is five laps of a 10K loop with a warm Gnome Depot serving hot food and coffee.

Take on the 50K MASHUP SLAM, a Midwest trail series that spans eight scenic events and rewards runners who finish five races with a special finisher buckle. Top series placers earn awards at the final G.O.A.T.z or Miner 49'er event.

Take on the Whitewalker Ultra 100k in Palmyra WI, a two loop 100k over scenic Ice Age Trail and Scuppernong trails. Expect rugged single track, aid stations on course, and a 24 hour finish limit for a true winter challenge.

Kick off winter in Batavia with the Fox Valley Winter Challenge 5K, a scenic trail run across prairie, grass, and limestone that may feature snow or mud. It is the first of a three race series with connectable medals and winter swag.

The Frozen Tundra 5K will take place in Lincolnshire on Saturday 31 January 2026. You can run 5 kilometers.

Tackle the Yeti Trail Half at Bluhm County Park, a four loop single track course with switchbacks and roots that rewards grit and steady pace. Enjoy a limited edition long sleeve shirt plus a winter hat and gloves while supplies last.

Tackle the middle race of the Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series on Feb 21, 2026: an 8K at Oakhurst Forest Preserve with a steep sledding hill climb and twisty, rolling winter trails. Finishers get a custom medal and premium cold weat..

Enjoy a scenic 5K trail run or walk at Sunset Hill County Park in Valparaiso on March 7, 2026, through wooded rolling hills. All ages are welcome with awards, tasty postrace refreshments, and a friendly Police and Fire challenge.

Tombstone at Sunset Hill Farm County Park on March 14, 2026 offers 30k, 50k and a new 50 mile on a hillier course with a Roller Coaster section. Expect aid, limited event swag and distinctive finisher awards.

Tackle muddy single and double track trails around Lemont Quarries with a trail half marathon or quarter marathon option on technical terrain. Enjoy chip timing, a race shirt and a post race party with food, beer and music.

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.

Run the Fox Valley Winter Challenge 10K at Hickory Knolls in St. Charles on Mar 22, 2026, over mixed trails and rolling climbs to test your pace. Finishers earn winter swag and a medal, plus extra gear for completing the series.

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.

Join the Earth Day trail run at Veterans Acres in Crystal Lake offering 50K, 15 mile and 5 mile options on a rolling 5 mile single track loop around the pond. Enjoy homemade aid station treats and a friendly, eco minded race atmosphere.

Run 10K, 25K, 50K or 50 Miler loops at Deer Grove Forest Preserve West in Palatine. Mostly wide non technical trails, a single aid station, pacers allowed for 50 Miler after four loops, and on course shenanigans promise a fun day.

Run scenic trails at Teason's Woods in Palos Hills on May 9, 2026 with marathon or 10 Mile options over rolling terrain and shared two way trails. Enjoy event apparel, a wooden sunflower medal for finishers, plus post race chili and beer.

Join the JH Memorial 5 Mile Trail Run on May 25, 2026 at Stoney Run Park for a rugged trail with marked turns, a water station, and an optional pond crossing. Finishers receive snacks, medals for top places, and a free water bottle.

Celebrate the 25th anniversary 5K for Double "J" in Joliet on June 6, 2026 as participants run the Rock Run Greenway and finish at Cemeno's. Proceeds support the Pat Clark Cancer Foundation and registration includes a T shirt and medal.