Trail Running calendar near Des Plaines 2026-2027

A 10K walk/run on August 1, 2026, through the Nordic Trail System in Kettle Moraine State Forest with water refill stations, trail snacks, a cup-less policy, and donations supporting The Salvation Army.

A community cross country event in Mount Prospect offering 1, 2 and 3 mile races. Entry is $25 and proceeds benefit the Little Giraffe Foundation.

A Scottish Highlander themed obstacle race in Pingree Grove, Illinois featuring 3K family, 5K and 15K heats with 20 to 30 obstacles, plus a torch lit night race and a haunted 5K. Spectator fee on-site is $10 and parking is free.

Loop format trail event at Busse Woods in Ned Brown Forest Preserve on August 15, 2026. Runners complete 3.1 mile loops on crushed limestone and packed gravel with a centralized aid station and distances from 5K to 50K.

A loop trail ultramarathon at Busse Woods in Elk Grove Village Illinois on August 15 2026. It offers 40 mile and 50 mile options, with registration closing August 14 2026.

A community road race in Elburn, IL on August 22, 2026 with 1-mile, 4-mile and 7-mile courses that cross the Union Pacific West rail line. The event benefits the Elburn Parks Commission and guarantees a racerback or tank if registered by Au..

A trail race at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve on August 23, 2026 offering approximate 4, 9.5 and 13 mile options. Part of the Dick Pond Athletics series with proceeds supporting the Chicago Area Mountain Bikers.

Tough Mudder Chicago at Richardson Adventure Farm on August 29 2026 offers 5K and 15K obstacle runs plus an 8 hour Infinity format, a Mudder Village with food and music, and finisher medals shirts and drinks.

A 10 hour endurance run at Bluhm County Park with a roughly 4 to 4.1 mile loop and an hourly cutoff per lap. Complete four or more loops to earn chips redeemable at prize tables; participants receive a limited edition shirt and wooden medal..

A technical trail event at Franklin Creek State Natural Area offering 5K and 10K courses with multiple creek crossings and forested, hilly terrain. Proceeds benefit the Franklin Creek Conservation Association.

Timed ultrarunning at Lapham Peak State Park with 24, 12 and 6 hour options plus a distance division for marathon and longer targets. One mile loop, chip timing, an aid station, and a cupless refill policy.

A USATF-certified half marathon and 10K through Danada Forest Preserve on crushed limestone trails, finishing near the horse track. Both distances award finisher medals, with chip timing, pacers, shuttle parking, and on-course water station..

A three day trail event at Rock Cut State Park featuring a night 10 km plus 25 km and 50 km races, with single race entries and Triple Crown series options that award commemorative spike prizes to finishers.

Timed ultrarunning at Horner Park with 3, 6, and 12 hour options, looped laps, hourly playful challenges, relay team choices, and an aid station at the start finish.

An obstacle course race at Indiana Dunes National Park on September 13, 2026, featuring 10k, 5K and a K9 3.1-mile event. The course uses varied landscapes to reflect terrains associated with military service.

Midwest OCR in Marseilles, Illinois features 5K and 10K obstacle courses, ruck options, a kid's loop, and a multi-lap Bearded Challenge, with finisher shirts, medals, and professional photos included; elite divisions award podiums and cash..

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 loop-based running event at Limestone Park offering 8 hour and 4 hour races on a 1.65 mile course with mixed crushed limestone and asphalt terrain. Scoring is by completed loops and proceeds support local organizations.

A 136 mile trail event in Whitewater, WI following the Ice Age State Trail across varied terrain with nine supported aid stations and about 11,148 ft of ascent. The course allows 55 hours for completion.

Experience the Bloomingdale Trail Run in Chicago featuring a timed 5K and short dashes for youth. This annual event offers a variety of distances on an urban trail for a family friendly day of running.