Trail Running calendar near Cornell 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.

Tackle the Fox Valley Winter Challenge 5K at Dick Young Forest Preserve, the first of a three race trail series that may feature snow, slush or mud. Finishers get a medal and single race entrants receive a cozy winter hat.

Run the Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 8K in Aurora on Feb 21, the middle race on a scenic but wintry trail with woods, open paths and possible snow or mud. All finishers get a medal and single race participants receive a cozy win..

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.

Get muddy on wooded single and double track through the historic Lemont Quarries at Muddy Shamrock at The Forge with a half marathon or quarter marathon. Expect rugged terrain, chip timing, awards, a tee and a lively post race party.

Take on the Skunk Ape 806 314 Trail Race at Lowell Park with 33.75 mile and 13.5 mile solo options or a team 806 relay. Alternate wooded loops, enjoy hearty aid station fare and finisher swag, and chase podium awards and great camaraderie.

Wrap up winter on scenic mixed trails at the Fox Valley Winter Challenge 10K in St. Charles on March 22, 2026. Expect varied footing, a finisher medal and cozy winter hat, plus bundle pricing if you tackled other series races.

Chauncey’s 4 at The Farm is a friendly spring trail run at St James Farm in Winfield, IL, featuring a scenic 4 mile loop over limestone and wooded paths. Join the Dick Pond Trail Race Series and earn a collectible finisher woodallion.

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 the Great Western Half Marathon and 10K on a flat out and back limestone path along the historic Great Western Trail. Hosted by Fox River Trail Runners, this longtime race supports local mental health charities.

Run scenic horse and forest trails at Teason's Woods on May 9, 2026 with a 26.2 mile marathon or a 10 mile option. Finishers get a wooden medal and can refuel with hot chili and beer.

Celebrate the 25th anniversary 5K for Double "J" in Joliet on June 6, 2026 as participants run the Rock Run Greenway and finish at Cemeno's. Proceeds support the Pat Clark Cancer Foundation and registration includes a T shirt and medal.

Join DBC Gifts of Love Community 5K in Flossmoor on June 20, 2026, for a scenic 5K at Vollmer Road Grove Forest Preserve or run the Virtual 5K. Help send backpacks, school supplies and gift cards to local homeless students.

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 GristMill Grind on September 5, 2026 at Franklin Creek State Natural Area, a hilly technical trail offering 5K and 10K routes through ravines, limestone bluffs, springs and creek crossings. Proceeds support park conservation.

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 the Hennepin Hundred, an all trail ultramarathon along the scenic Hennepin Canal featuring flat terrain and canal and farmland views. Distances: 100, 50, 50K and team relay with Western States qualification for the 100.

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.