Trail Running calendar near Evanston 2026-2027

Run a chip-timed 5K or join a scavenger hunt 3K walk at St. Patrick's County Park. Everyone gets a handcrafted medallion, plus there's an egg bake breakfast and door prizes. Leashed dogs are welcome on the walk.

Experience the scenery of Elburn at Run the Rails featuring 1-mile, 4-mile, and 7-mile courses. Cross the Union Pacific West rail line and enjoy unique views of the Illinois countryside.

The Summer Trail Classic offers three distances on the single-track trails of Paul Douglas Forest Preserve. It's the third race in a yearly trail series, with proceeds supporting local trail maintenance. Participants receive a running vest..

Tough Mudder Chicago on August 29, 2026 at Rockford International Airport offers 5K, 15K and an eight hour Infinity format across fields, trails and creek crossings, with Mudder Village, finisher items, and group and volunteer options.

Test your stamina at Bluhm County Park with this unique elimination style trail race. Complete a four mile loop every hour to stay in the running and compete for the fastest final lap.

Take on a scenic one mile loop at Lapham Peak with 24, 12, and 6 hour timed options or set distance goals like a marathon or 50 miles. Lighted night laps, a stocked aid station, and a welcoming club vibe make every lap count.

USATF certified half marathon and 10K on crushed limestone trails at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton, IL, with finisher medals, chip timing, pacers and a virtual option.

A timed running event on an about 1 mile paved loop in a 58 acre Chicago park, offering 3 hour, 6 hour, and 12 hour formats plus relay options and hourly on course challenges.

This obstacle course race at Indiana Dunes National Park offers three distances, including a K9 event. The course features diverse terrains inspired by military landscapes. It's open to participants aged 13 and up.

Experience a rugged obstacle course race featuring hills, cliffs, and wooded trails in Marseilles. Choose from competitive 10K heats, multi lap challenges, or non competitive fun runs and rucking divisions for all interest levels.

Test your endurance at Limestone Park with a choice of 8-hour or 4-hour timed races. Run a scenic 1.65 mile loop featuring a mix of flat paths and short hills to complete as many laps as possible.

Echo 136 is a 136 mile trail race in Whitewater WI on the Ice Age State Trail with a 55 hour cutoff, nine stocked aid stations, and roughly 11,148 feet of elevation gain. Registration closes Sep 22 at 10:00 PM CT.

The Bloomingdale Trail 5K is an annual family-friendly running event in Chicago. It features a timed 5K race alongside shorter dashes for young runners. Registration is available for all three distances.

A timed 6- or 12-hour event on a 2 mile lakefront loop in Evanston with two aid stations, finishers' Hop Water and handcrafted awards, and permitted pacers.

Experience the terrain of Michigan City with a series of loop based trail races ranging from 2 miles to 50k at Tryon Farm. Run through open fields and single track dirt trails to support the Tryon Farm Institute.

Run or walk along the tree lined Oak Leaf Trail before finishing at the Oktoberfest celebration in Glendale. This event features a 5k run and a 54 yard dash with post race refreshments and festival entry.

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.

Join this community run and walk at Vollmer Road Grove Forest Preserve to support homeless school children. Participate in person on the paved 5K trail or join virtually to help provide essential school supplies for families in need.

Test your endurance at the inaugural HELIOS Ultra in the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest. Choose between 6, 12, or 20 hour timeframes as a solo runner or a relay team.

A flat, fast trail event in Lake County on crushed gravel with 50 Mile, 50K, Marathon and Half Marathon options. The Marathon is Boston qualifying, the race is cup-less, and all finishers receive medals plus post-race food and awards.