Trail Running calendar near Charleston 2026-2027

We have found 22 Trailruns within 80 miles of Charleston. See below where and when you can find the races.

Take on the scenic trails of Clinton Lake State Recreation Area with the Clinton Lake Ultra. Choose between a challenging 30-mile or a 10-mile loop course through forests and meadows. It's a cup-free, community focused event with a mandator..

April 2026

Experience the beautiful trails of Allerton Park in Monticello with a weekend of running events. Choose from a glow in the dark 5k, a 10k, or a half marathon while supporting Make A Wish Illinois.

Experience the scenic rock quarry cliffs of DePauw Nature Park in Greencastle. This event features 15k and 5k trail runs on crushed stone paths with mild grades and a few steep climbs.

May 2026

Run a unique Backyard Ultra on a course inspired by historic land surveys in Indiana. Each hour, tackle a 4.167-mile mixed-terrain loop before the bell rings again. The last runner standing is the winner.

Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra The event takes place at Willenborg Woods, a private property of 149 acres with maintained trails near Charleston, Illinois. Participants must complete a 4.167-mile loop each hour. The format continues un..

This cross-country event offers a scenic 5K run through Lincoln Trail College, featuring a mix of grass and paved paths. A shorter Kid's Fun Run is also available on the paved course. Awards are given for overall and age group winners, and..

June 2026

A 7.1 mile trail run around Lake Mingo at Kennekuk Cove County Park on June 13, 2026. The mostly trail course features hills, nine bridges, one aid station halfway and a post race party at the Hideaway Shelter.

Traverse rugged trails and unique obstacles like floating bridges at the Griffin Bike Park. Earn rubber duck trophies in this family friendly 5k adventure while supporting community relief efforts.

Run through a scenic reclaimed limestone quarry in Greencastle at the Vulture Vista Ultra. Choose from 6 hour or 12 hour timed events or a single 4.5 mile loop on wooded singletrack and open trails.

July 2026

This unique 5K trail run sends participants splashing down a shallow riverbed for a third of a mile. With a tough hill finish and a field limited to 125 runners, it finishes with a community pancake and ice cream party.

August 2026

Experience a ten kilometer trail run featuring two laps around Stryker Lake on a course with rolling hills and stable footing. Join this event at Griffin Bike Park to earn series bonus points and enjoy a community atmosphere.

Experience a trail run through Forest Park on the General Dacey Trail in Shelbyville. Participate in a 5K or 1 mile race featuring team competitions, post race refreshments, and a gathering at the local aquatic center.

Event Overview The Howl at the Moon Ultra is a timed endurance event held at Kennekuk Road Runners in Danville, Illinois. The event features separate eight-hour and four-hour divisions for runners and walkers. Course Details Participants co..

September 2026

Experience the 46th annual trail run through Kickapoo State Recreation Area featuring a scenic pond loop and a longer 95 percent trail course with creek crossings and steep hills.

Experience fast rolling terrain at the Sand Creek Trail Run in Decatur. Choose between 4.4 and 7.6 mile distances to support the Special Operations Warrior Foundation through the scenic Macon County Conservation District.

Conquer a rugged 1200 acre off road course at the Badlands Off Road Park. Choose from 5K, 10K, and 21K obstacle races featuring sand dunes and forest trails for a complete weekend of outdoor adventure.

This trail run/walk in Greenville's Patriot's Park is a 5K event supporting childhood cancer research. It takes place on scenic trails and is inspired by a personal story of courage.

October 2026

This trail running event at Willenborg Woods offers distances from a 5K to a 100K on scenic, handcrafted trails through timber and along creeks. It focuses on a community atmosphere with full course support and a post-race celebration. Pets..

Experience a 5.7 mile trail race or a 2 mile nature walk along the Sangamon River at Robert Allerton Park. This community event supports local trail maintenance and features a costume contest in a scenic meadow setting.

November 2026

Experience the beauty of the Illinois tallgrass prairie at Meadowbrook Park with 5K and 10K events supporting local land conservation. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome to this annual community tradition.