Trail Running calendar near Mattoon 2026-2027

Five Thursday nights in July at Maxwell Park in Normal, IL featuring 800 meter, 2 mile and 3 mile cross country races. Weekly entry is $5 or $20 for all five nights; awards night with age-group prizes is on 7/30.

A July 4 road run in Springfield that starts and finishes at Home Plate Bar & Grill, offering in-person 5K, 10K and mile events plus a virtual 5K and volunteer opportunities. Packet pickup is available the day before and on race day.

Backyard Ultra at Quail Ridge Farm in Albion IL on July 18 2026. Registration includes a t-shirt and a $10 food truck voucher, camping is available the night before, and an optional $1 per lap prize pool is planned.

A 5K trail race on July 18, 2026 that opens private trails on Elkhart Hill near Elkhart, Illinois, featuring old-growth timber, historic sites, and panoramic overlooks. Registration runs June 18 to July 18 and the fee is $30.

A 5K trail race on July 25, 2026 in Charleston, IL featuring winding forest trails, a one‑third mile crossing of the Embarras River, about 1,100 feet of elevation gain, and a small field capped at 125 runners with a post-race pancakes and i..

A two lap 10 km trail run around Stryker Lake at Griffin Bike Park on August 1, 2026 with rolling hills, generally stable footing, onsite registration, and series bonus points for finishers.

Experience a trail run through Forest Park on the General Dacey Trail in Shelbyville. Participate in a 5K or 1 mile race featuring team competitions, post race refreshments, and a gathering at the local aquatic center.

An off-road 5K on the Lake Land College campus in Mattoon, Illinois, featuring rolling hills, grassy fields and wooded paths. The event highlights the college cross country program in its second year and includes packet pickup at the Field..

A loop ultrarunning event at Kennekuk Cove County Park with 3.25 mile laps, aid stations, camping, shirts and swag bags, and four hour and eight hour runner and walker options. Field limited to 250 participants.

A youth and family 2K obstacle course at Maxwell Park with about 15 obstacles. Waves serve ages 5 and up; participants get a shirt, medal and a timed result, with trophies for top three in each competitive age group.

Hill of a Race 2026 in Bloomington, IL combines a lap based Endurance Challenge with multiple 3 mile obstacle course waves, including competitive men, women, masters and several recreational waves.

A 5K trail loop at Rolling Meadows Farm on September 5, 2026, running along the Sangamon River and near the historic Sangamo Town site. Registration runs from June 9 to August 23, with a $35 fee.

Experience the 46th annual trail run through Kickapoo State Recreation Area featuring a scenic pond loop and a longer 95 percent trail course with creek crossings and steep hills.

Experience fast rolling terrain at the Sand Creek Trail Run in Decatur. Choose between 4.4 and 7.6 mile distances to support the Special Operations Warrior Foundation through the scenic Macon County Conservation District.

Operation Obstacle is a timed 2 mile obstacle course on September 19, 2026 at Richland Community College that raises awareness and funds to address veteran suicide.

A 5K trail run or walk at Patriot's Park in Greenville on 09/26/2026 focused on community support for children and families affected by childhood cancer, with registration open 03/02/2026 and a $35 fee.

A two-day trail running event at Willenborg Woods in Charleston, IL on October 16 and 17, 2026, offering distances from 5K up to 100K. The course features single-track, riverside paths, creeks and technical sections with full course marking..

A chip timed 5K and an untimed 1 mile fun walk at GE Park in Bloomington on October 18, 2026, raising funds for BN Sunrise Rotary Youth Services and the CCHS Rotaract Club. Awards include ceramic steins for top 5K age group finishers.

Originally listed as a 5K at Washington Park in Springfield with registration closed and a $30 fee; a notice states the event has been renamed and moved to September 5th.

A fall event at Allerton Park featuring a 5.7 mile trail run, a 2 mile nature walk, and a virtual 5.7 mile option. The riverside course has roots, ruts, and sharp turns, with awards, costume prizes, and park donations.