Trail Running calendar near Chicago 2025-2026

The Yeti Trail Half Marathon will take place in Westville on Saturday 21 February 2026.

Run the twisty winter trails at Saw Wee Kee Park with bib timing and wave starts; terrain can shift from muddy footing to wildflower lined sections. Part of a four race series where each finish earns a medal piece and seasonal swag.

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 30k 50k and 50 mile is a rugged trail race at Sunset Hill Farm in Valparaiso IN featuring a new hilly course and the Roller Coaster hills. Finishers get limited edition apparel and a cowboy hat and top distances earn a belt buckle..

The Muddy Shamrock at The Forge offers a half and quarter trail run through scenic Lemont Quarries with rock, roots, mud and technical single track. Expect lap based routes, rustic terrain, one aid station and a fun, challenging day outdoor..

Tackle the woodsy single track at Soldiers Memorial Park in LaPorte on March 21, 2026 with a 10K or a challenging half. Enjoy winding switchbacks, lake views, and a custom finisher award for every runner.

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.

Save the Drama for your Llama 6 Hour Trail Run invites runners to log as many 1.7 mile loops as possible at Luhr County Park during a lively six hour timed challenge. All are welcome on land stewarded by Indigenous nations.

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.

Join the Saw Wee Kee Spring Trail Run on April 25, 2026 at Saw Wee Kee Park for a scenic, twisty course over soft spring trails that may be muddy or flower strewn. Wave starts, bib timing and a piece of a collectible multi part medal.

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.

Take on a 4 mile loop through Wolf Road Woods in the Palos Preserves with 7 hour and 11 hour timed options. Enjoy rolling single track, hearty aid station fare and live lap scoring as you chase your endurance goals.

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.

Backyard Nonsense on June 6, 2026 invites runners to scenic trails at Richard Bong State Recreation Area with rolling hills and lakeside sections. Enjoy a welcoming community and choose timed options from 3 hour to a full 24 hour ultra.

Enjoy the Saw Wee Kee Summer Trail on June 6 at Saw Wee Kee Park, featuring soft, twisty trails, rolling elevation and seasonal surprises from mud to blooms. Bib timed wave starts, seasonal swag, and a piece of a four race series medal.

XTERRA DINO Northern Indiana unfolds near South Bend, Indiana, at the Orchard Shores Picnic Area in North Liberty. Scheduled for June 20, 2026, the race is part of the XTERRA World Tour and offers multiple off-road formats: Full Distance Tr..

Run the Trail Golf Endurance Challenge at Trailyard Outpost in Valparaiso with 50K or 10M loop courses and relay teams. Unique golf style scoring by Hole turns every loop into a strategic race that rewards speed and smart pacing.

Tackle scenic single track and winding trails at the Oakadoke Trail Runs in Valparaiso on August 1, 2026, with 4, 9, and 18 mile options. Enjoy creek crossings, farmland views and a friendly post race gathering for all finishers.

Take on the Chupacabra Endurance 10 hour Run in Westville, IN, a looped trail challenge with an hourly clock that keeps the pace intense. Enjoy aid stations, a limited edition shirt and a wooden medal while racing for prizes and pride.