Trail Running calendar near Evanston 2026-2027

Timed 6 hour and 12 hour events on a two mile loop along Evanston’s lakefront and the Northwestern University campus. The course has paved and crushed gravel sections, two aid stations, public fountains, and handcrafted finisher awards.

Multi-distance trail event at Tryon Farm featuring a 4 mile loop used for 2 mile, 4 mile, 8 mile, 25k and 50k races. The course mixes grassy fields and single track trails with basic aid and parking across the street.

A fall trail event at Lapham Peak State Forest featuring timed 5K and 10K runs, accessible walk options, and a free 1K Smokey Bear run for children age 10 and under; participant shirts, awards, and post-event treats are included.

A community trail event in Valparaiso with a single-loop 5K and a two-loop 30K team relay hosted by local firefighters, featuring chip timing, aid stations, and team results.

A community 5k and a 54 yard dash on October 4, 2026 in Glendale with an out-and-back course on the Oak Leaf Trail. Registration includes all-day entry to Milwaukee's Original Oktoberfest at Old Heidelberg Park.

A community 5k run and walk hosted by the Lockport Fire Foundation on October 4, 2026 at Hassert Park in Lockport, IL. Entry includes a t-shirt and finisher medal for registered participants present on race day.

A community 5K in Flossmoor with a parallel virtual 5K that raises funds and collects goods to support local families experiencing hidden homelessness and provide school supplies for homeless children.

Timed ultraruns in Southern Kettle Moraine Forest on Oct 10 to Oct 11, 2026. Solo runners or teams of up to four complete as many 3, 5, or 6 mile McMiller Trail loops as possible in 6, 12 or 20 hour formats.

Multiple endurance trail distances on a flat, crushed gravel section of the Des Plaines River Trail, starting and finishing at Half Day Forest Preserve in Lake County, Illinois. The marathon is a Boston Qualifier and the event runs each Oct..

Trail run at Saw Wee Kee Park on October 17, 2026, over soft, twisting trails with variable footing. Bib-timed waves, part of a four-race series with collectible medal pieces and seasonal swag.

Timed 6, 12 and 24 hour events on the dirt and grass trails of St. Patrick's County Park in South Bend with on-site overnight amenities and proceeds donated to the ALS community.

A memorial 5K run and 2 mile walk in Roscoe, Illinois on October 17, 2026. The out and back course uses local trails and crushed limestone, includes a water station, and offers a virtual supporter option.

Trail race in Crystal Lake, IL on October 17, 2026 offering 5 Miler and 10 Miler options on single track trails with bonus mileage. Carry your own hydration; finishers receive a race shirt and a skeleton medal.

A Halloween-themed trail event in Pingree Grove, IL on October 23, 2026 with multiple 5 km heats, haunted sets and animatronics, plus a costume contest, bonfire and food; spectator fee $10, free parking.

A looped trail event offering 50K, 25K, and a 5-mile option on mostly single-track terrain with staffed aid stations and an organizer focus on community and inclusion.

Howloween 5K in Schaumburg is a chip timed 5K run or walk at Busse Woods that supports animal shelters. Pets may join without registration and a virtual participation option is available.

A nighttime run and walk at Lake County Fairgrounds on October 30, 2026 featuring a timed 5K, a non-timed 2K, a market with live performances, costume contests, and awards.

Experience the historic Ice Age Trail during this autumn ultramarathon in the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest. Choose between 50k and 100k distances featuring on site branded wooden medals and scenic fall colors.

A multi-distance trail event in Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest offering ultra distances, a 50K and a 15K Fun Run, with aid stations, pacing rules, finisher awards, and proceeds funding forest projects.

Trail runs and a walking option use a rolling park course that starts at the southwest corner and returns through woods, service road, and open sections with occasional rough footing and visible seasonal foliage.