Trail Running calendar near Joliet 2026-2027

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 through the scenic Timber Pointe Outdoor Center in Hudson. Choose from 8K and 5K races or an untimed 1 mile trail walk to support Easterseals Central Illinois.

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.

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.

Join the Jaimie Cox Memorial Run on October 17, 2026 in Roscoe, Illinois for a community 5K or 2 mile walk along the scenic Stone Bridge Trail. Family friendly with kids and virtual options, supporting the Jaimie Cox scholarship.

Trail races of about 5 and 10 miles through Veteran Acres and Sternes Woods in Crystal Lake, IL, with single-track trails, a cupless course, packet pickup options, and finisher medals for all distances.

Experience a haunted 5k trail run in Pingree Grove featuring live actors and animatronics. Stay for the bonfire and costume contest at this unique evening event.

A woodland ultra with 50K, 25K and 5-mile options run on a 5.5-mile single-track loop at Deer Grove Forest Preserve, featuring multiple stocked aid stations and explicit inclusion policies for race entries.

Celebrate Halloween and support animal shelters at this dog friendly 5k in Busse Woods. Enjoy a flat paved course with treats for both humans and leashed pets at the finish line.

A Halloween night run and walk through the Lake County Fairgrounds. The event includes a timed 5K and a non-timed 2K walk, costume prizes, and entry to a festive market. Bring a flashlight for the evening course.

Embrace an autumn adventure at the Big Timber XC Challenge, a trail run featuring a famous creek crossing through the woods of Camp Big Timber. Choose between a 3-mile or 5-mile course on grass and gravel paths. All runners get a shirt and..

Experience the Bigfoot Half Trail Run at Stoney Run County Park. This two loop course features a mix of grass, dirt trails, and gravel with manual timing and unique raffle prizes for participants.

Experience the variable terrain of the historic Lemont Quarries at this multi distance trail festival featuring laps of single track and gravel paths ranging from 10K to 60K.

Explore the forest trails and hills of Lake Geneva at this multi distance trail event. Choose from several individual races or join a team relay for a day of outdoor activity and festival atmosphere.

A community Turkey Trot through Atwood Park near 5k with chipped timing, common trail obstacles and door prizes. No GPS or timing devices are allowed and donations are collected for local causes.

Experience a cross country style trail race through the Timber Pointe Nature Center at Lake Bloomington. Choose between 4K and 8K loops or a three hour endurance challenge while supporting local nature conservation.

A four race winter trail series in Dixon, Illinois totaling 31 miles across four dates from December 2025 to March 2026. Distances range from 5K to 20K with series awards and age-category prizes.

A dog friendly trail running event at Lake Geneva Ziplines and Adventures with a 4 mile loop, an 8 mile option, and a focus on Canicross. Awards are reserved for teams running with dogs and all finishers receive a small gift.

Experience a unique winter obstacle course in Lake Geneva featuring distances from 5K to 20K. Enjoy a festival atmosphere with fire pits and food trucks after conquering challenges designed for both fun and competitive athletes.