Trail Running calendar near Colona 2026-2027

A looped trail event at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve featuring a repeatable 1-mile loop, two course variants with notable elevation per loop, a 4 hour limit, on-course aid at the start/finish, and proceeds returned to the preserve.

Broken Anvil Backyard Ultra in West Point, Iowa, sends runners on repeated 4.167 mile loops around Pollmiller Lake Park. Each loop must be completed within an hour and the last runner to finish a loop wins.

Experience ten miles of hills and winding trails through the Byron Forest Preserve and Nardi Equine Prairie. This cup free race features cash prizes and a post race celebration with pizza at Hairy Cow Brewing Company.

A dog-friendly 2K and 5K trail run/walk in Case Creek Valley with race bibs, T-shirts, finisher dog tags, and proceeds supporting the Rock Island County Animal Care & Control Shelter.

A coffee-themed, untimed 2K and 5K run at Case Creek Trails near Coal Valley, IL, with aid stations, post-run hot drinks and treats, optional swag, and proceeds supporting The Rock Island County Animal Care & Control Shelter through QC PAWS..

A grassroots looped ultra in Dixon, Illinois featuring multiple distances on mixed singletrack and meadow paths. The event provides two aid locations, crew and pacer access, and medals or a buckle for finishers depending on distance.

Trail races at Swiss Valley Nature Preserve near Peosta, Iowa, offering 5.2 mile, 25k and 50k options on a multi loop course with creek crossings and rugged, hilly terrain. Free camping, showers and shuttle service are provided.

A point to point all trail ultramarathon along the Hennepin Canal State Trail in northwest Illinois, offering 100 mile, 50 mile, team relay and a nighttime 50k, with aid stations every 3 to 7 miles and Western States qualification.

Autumn Leaf Run is a 5K trail event at Oakdale Nature Preserve in Freeport on 10/03/2026. The looped course crosses prairies, creek and wooded trails and raises funds for park improvements through the Freeport Parks Foundation.

Trail races at Farmdale Reservoir near East Peoria Illinois feature distances from 10K to 100 mile across single-track trail and prairie. The event includes packet pickup, aid stations, camping and specific rules for drop downs and awards.

A charity running event in Solon, Iowa featuring a timed 5K and a Monster Mile, with all proceeds to the Arthritis Foundation to support pediatric rheumatic disease awareness.

A Midwest trail ultramarathon in Dubuque that uses a roughly 20 mile loop through the Mines of Spain Recreation Area. Options include a 100 mile five loop race and a 100K three loop race with substantial elevation gain.

Trail races at Geode State Park with 5k, 12k and 25k options, two aid stations and water at the beach shelter. The event raises funds for the park's concession building and includes a race t-shirt; youth receive a discount.

Miner 49er in Dubuque, IA features 25K and 50K runs on single-track and prairie trails with significant elevation gain, three aid stations, and views of the Julien Dubuque Monument, Horseshoe Bluff, and the Mississippi River.

A Backyard Ultra in Colona, Illinois on Nov 7, 2026, consisting of repeated 4.17 miles loops on a mostly flat course with one hill out of a ravine. Parking and camping space are available.

A backyard ultra in Delmar, IA where runners complete a 4.16 mile loop each hour until only one person remains. Participants receive a 10 by 10 foot camp space, may bring up to three crew members, and get a custom hockey sweater.

A six hour trail endurance run at Pinicon Ridge Park near Central City, Iowa, on a 1.2 mile loop with two large climbs and stairs. Course direction changes every two hours and the event includes aid station food, a race shirt, and awards.

Trail races at Mcnaughton Park in Pekin, IL on November 14, 2026, offering 3.5, 10, 30 and 50 mile options with a 13 hour cutoff. The 10 mile loop is run in reverse and features two creek crossings and about 1300 feet of gain per loop.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a 2 mile run through the wooded trails of Sheffield Illinois. Wear your best holiday costume for a chance to win prizes at this untimed community event.

The 36th FOLEPI River Trail Classic in East Peoria on November 28, 2026 features a 4 Mile race with multiple award categories and a 2 Mile non timed walk, with bib pickup before the event and a post race gathering.