Trail Running calendar near Bloomington 2025-2026

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 the festive Fat Tuesday 5K or 10K at Keg Grove in Bloomington along the Constitution Trail. Grab Mardi Gras beads, enter a King Cake raffle and enjoy post race drinks while supporting St Vincent De Paul.

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.

Join the festive Blarney Blitz 5K in Peoria on March 14, 2026 for a St. Patrick's Day themed run along the scenic Riverfront Trail. Celebrate at the post race party at Kelleher's Irish Pub with food and a drink ticket.

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.

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.

Run a scenic 8K through Lincoln Memorial Garden on May 30, 2026, with trails along Lake Springfield and the Ostermeier Prairie Center. Family friendly Kids Fun Runs, finisher shirts, and wooden medallions make this a great spring outing.

Join the 28th annual Lake Mingo Trail Run on June 13, 2026 at Kennekuk Cove County Park, a scenic 7.1 mile loop mostly on natural trails with rolling hills and nine bridges. Celebrate afterward with food, beer, and great trail camaraderie.

CMAR Trail Races at Camp Wokanda near Chillicothe, Illinois offers scenic looped trail races across wooded ridges and river bluff climbs. Camping and weekend camaraderie make it a rewarding challenge and a true trail getaway for runners.

Temptation 200 Ultras at Sand Ridge State Forest near Forest City, Illinois on Labor Day weekend offers tough single loop terrain and distances from 50K to 200K. Camping at the start and a 40 hour cutoff make it welcoming for ultra runners.

Hit the Wild Wild Wilderness at Kickapoo State Recreation Area on September 12, 2026 with 5K or a rugged 7.45 mile trail through woods, steep climbs and creek crossings. Celebrate finishes with food, drinks and awards.

Run fast rolling trails at Sand Creek in Decatur on Sept 12 and choose 4.4 or 7.6 miles for a lively trail challenge. Get a tech shirt and finisher medal while supporting the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Hit the trails at Run The Woods on October 3, 2026 in Hudson IL with 5K and 8K races, youth divisions, and a one mile trail walk for all ages. Proceeds support Easterseals Central Illinois and Timber Pointe Outdoor Center.

Enjoy a scenic and challenging 5.7 mile trail run along the Sangamon River at Robert Allerton Park in Monticello IL, finishing in a meadow. Proceeds support park trail care and there is a 2 mile nature walk plus a virtual option.