Trail Running calendar near Clinton 2025-2026

Hit the trails at Timber Pointe for a scenic cross country style 8K, 4K or multi lap challenge with possible deer and eagle sightings. Partial proceeds benefit the nature center and finishers enjoy post race food and warm company.

Start 2026 at the Siberian Express, a 7.45 mile winter trail run at Kickapoo State Recreation Area on January 3. Expect steep climbs and creek crossings, carry your own hydration, and warm up at a friendly post race gathering.

Run the Frozen Cock's Crow 5K in Willenborg Woods on Feb 14, 2026, a rugged winter trail with steep climbs, a stream crossing and scenic singletrack. Join the trail community afterward for food, fun and warmth.

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.

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.

Allerton Races in Monticello offers scenic trail and road distances including a half marathon, 10K and a glowing nighttime 5K. Run live or virtually while supporting Robert Allerton Park and Make A Wish Illinois, with special donor perks on..

Enjoy a scenic 8K through Lincoln Memorial Garden in Springfield on May 30, 2026, weaving lakefront paths and prairie trails. Kids fun runs, post race food, and a wooden finisher medallion make this intimate event limited to 300 runners.

Join the 28th annual Lake Mingo Trail Run on June 6, 2026 in Danville, IL for a scenic 7.1 mile loop of trails, hills and marshes where mud and wildlife add to the fun. Celebrate with food and beer at the post race party.

Take on Madder Than A Wet Hen, a rugged 5K trail race at Willenborg Woods in Charleston on July 25, 2026, with river crossings, steep climbs and roughly 1,100 feet of gain. Field limited to 125, with post race pancakes and ice cream.

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.

Run the rugged Wild Wild Wilderness at Kickapoo State Recreation Area with a scenic 7.45 mile trail or 5K option. Expect steep climbs, creek crossings, awards at the finish and the chance to complete the Grand Slam.

Hit the fast rolling Sand Creek trails near Decatur with 4.4 or 7.6 mile options, in person or virtual. Enjoy a technical long sleeve shirt, finisher medal and snacks while supporting the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Run The Woods in Hudson IL offers scenic trail 5K and 8K races plus untimed family walks, welcoming youth and adult participants. Proceeds benefit Easterseals Central Illinois and Timber Pointe to help kids of all abilities attend camp.

Shake Your Trail Feather Trail Run (Oct 16 to 17, 2026) invites runners to explore single track trails, creeks and hills in Willenborg Woods, with distances 5K to 100K. Finishers can join a community celebration and enjoy on course support.

Join Allerton Park Trail Run on Oct 25, 2026 for a scenic 5.7 mile route along the Sangamon River, a relaxed 2 mile nature walk, or a virtual 5.7 mile option. Expect roots and sharp turns and know proceeds help fund park improvements.