Trail Running calendar near Evanston 2026-2027

A chip timed 10K through mostly crushed limestone trails and wooded scenery at The Forge Lemont Quarries near Lemont, IL. Part of the Chicago Racing Circuit with overall and age group awards and a 450 runner capacity.

Experience an authentic trail run at Stoney Run County Park featuring a five mile course with an optional pond crossing. Celebrate Memorial Day with a traditional timed race and a post run gathering in Hebron.

Join the free Dirt Circus community running festival in Crystal Lake on May 30, 2026. Choose between a 4.3-mile or 6.8-mile social group run, then enjoy a festival with food, an expo of local brands, and a raffle. Meet race directors and co..

Backyard Nonsense is a timed trail event with 24, 12, 6, and 3 hour options in the Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Run as far as you want on rolling hills near Vern Wolf Lake. The event is organized by CUSS Running, which has specific p..

Experience a seasonal trail run through the natural twists and turns of Saw Wee Kee Park. Complete this bib timed race to earn a piece of the 2026 series medal and enjoy the summer landscape.

This 5K run/walk takes place on the Rock Run Greenway Trail in Joliet, starting and ending at Cemeno's Pizza. All proceeds support local cancer patients through the Pat Clark Cancer Foundation. Registration includes a T-shirt and finisher m..

Experience the natural beauty of St. Charles at the Hickory Knolls Trail Run, featuring 5K, 10K, and relay options on scenic grass and dirt forest pathways.

An annual trail ultra held each June with 100 mile, 100k, 50k and 38 mile options; much of the course runs on the Ice Age Trail. Registration for 2026 is by Ultrasignup lottery with a waitlist and early-invite options.

Experience an authentic cross country race on a purpose built grass course in Geneva Illinois. Run as an individual or part of a team on this wide professional grade venue featuring rolling terrain and a classic atmosphere.

Experience the glacial landscapes of Wisconsin at the Whitewater Trail Challenge. Run along the historic Ice Age Trail with 10K, Half Marathon, and 50K distances starting from the scenic Rice Lake Nature Trail.

A 7 km lollipop loop at Potato Creek State Park with wide, stable paths and two notable hills. The race is part of the DINO Trail Run Series and awards bonus points plus medals for overall and age group placings.

A trail event in Valparaiso, IN that scores runs like golf: runners complete hourly three to four mile "holes" and receive stroke scores. Distances include 50K, 50K Relay, 10M and 10M Relay.

Celebrating its 45th year, the YMCA Brickyard Run features a 5 Mile Gold Cup race, a 5K for younger runners, and a new 2K Family Fun Run/Walk. The event is known for its unique brick awards and supports a local YMCA scholarship fund.

Experience the natural beauty of Wolf Road Woods with 3, 6, or 9 mile trail runs on a scenic loop course. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere featuring off road terrain and post race celebrations in the heart of the Palos Trail System.

This cross country run on July 4th in Williams Bay offers a 5K on grass trails through the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy. A kids' quarter-mile event is also available. Registration is online only, with awards for top age-group finishers.

Trail run and walk at Lapham Peak State Forest on July 11, 2026 supporting prairie management; first 100 participants receive a short sleeve t-shirt and run winners receive awards. Day of registration is at Lapham Lodge and a park sticker o..

Test your strength and endurance at this outdoor obstacle course in Homewood. Choose between one or two mile distances featuring tire flips and spear throws to earn your finisher medal.

Experience the diverse single track trails of Valparaiso at the Oakadoke Trail Runs. Choose between 4, 9, or 18 mile courses featuring scenic creek crossings and winding switchbacks followed by a celebratory post race meal.

This 10k walk/run explores the trails of Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin. It's a cup-less event with water refills and snacks provided. A portion of donations supports The Salvation Army.

Experience a Scottish themed obstacle course race in Pingree Grove featuring 15k, 5k, and family 3k distances. Challenges include classic rigs and unique tasks like archery and caber carries in a Highland setting.