Trail Running calendar near McHenry 2026-2027

Looped trail event at Half Day Forest Preserve in Vernon Hills with a 5K loop and multiple distance options. The course runs on crushed limestone, gravel, and natural trails through woodlands, prairies, and riverfront scenery.

A 3.62-mile all-grass cross-country race at Lovelace Park in Evanston with individual and team entries, tiered entry fees by registration period, a performance shirt with entry, and a post-race awards gathering with food.

A technical trail race at Franklin Creek State Natural Area offering 5K and 10K routes with multiple creek crossings, hill terrain, and water stations. Proceeds support the Franklin Creek Conservation Association and custom awards are prese..

Timed ultrarunning at Lapham Peak State Park with 24, 12 and 6 hour options plus a distance division for marathon and longer targets. One mile loop, chip timing, an aid station, and a cupless refill policy.

Trail half marathon and 10K at Danada Forest Preserve in Naperville with USATF certified courses, chip timing and finisher medals.

A new trail race in Verona, Wisconsin offering 5K and 10K courses through prairies, woodlands and oak savannas. Net proceeds support Prairie Moraine Friends for park restoration; parking is limited and ride sharing is encouraged.

A community run at Woodland Middle School in Gurnee on September 11, 2026, offering a 5K, 1 Mile, and a shirt only option. Proceeds support the Woodland PTA and confidential financial assistance for fees is available.

A three day trail event at Rock Cut State Park featuring a night 10 km plus 25 km and 50 km races, with single race entries and Triple Crown series options that award commemorative spike prizes to finishers.

A remembrance event at the Lake County Fairgrounds Grandstand in Crown Pont, IN where participants climb 17 laps totaling 1,980 steps or join a 1 mile non timed walk. The event includes hero wristbands, limited finisher medals, and supports..

A timed urban ultra at Horner Park offering 3, 6, and 12 hour options on a short paved loop. Hourly playful challenges, a single aid station, and two- or four-person relay options add variety.

A community fundraiser in Geneva with a 2.5 mile Lightning Run, a 1 mile kids race, and a Mini Road Race Rally for ages 3 to 8. Proceeds support the Geneva Park District Scholarship Fund.

A one-day trail festival at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Beecher offering 5K to 50K distances, including a 10K ruck option. Courses are trail-built with mixed surfaces, aid stations, event shirts and finisher medals.

A Backyard Ultra on the Rock River Parkway where runners repeat a GPS-verified 4.167-mile loop each hour until one remains. Entry is limited to 150 runners and includes an on-site aid station and crew zone.

An obstacle course race at Indiana Dunes National Park on September 13, 2026, featuring 10k, 5K and a K9 3.1-mile event. The course uses varied landscapes to reflect terrains associated with military service.

Last Dot Standing in Belleville WI pairs hourly 4.2 mile runs between Belleville Community Park and Dot's Tavern until one runner remains. The weekend also features 24 hour and 48 hour races with buckles for 100, 150 and 200 mile finishes.

A multi-distance obstacle course event on rugged terrain near Marseilles Illinois featuring 5K and 10K options, a kid's loop, ruck categories with recommended weights, and a multi-lap Bearded Challenge. Finisher shirt, medal, and action pho..

Experience ten miles of hills and winding trails through the Byron Forest Preserve and Nardi Equine Prairie. This cup free race features cash prizes and a post race celebration with pizza at Hairy Cow Brewing Company.

Echo 136 in Whitewater, WI is a 136 mile trail ultramarathon on the Ice Age State Trail with a 55 hour cutoff and 10 aid stations. The event lists about 11,148 ft of ascent and is organized by TYDISH Running.

A looped trail event in Dixon, Illinois on September 26, 2026 offering distances from 8 miles up to 100 miles, with mixed singletrack and meadow terrain, two aid stations, crew access, and finish medals or a buckle for the 100 mile.

Trail races at Moraine Hills State Park with 5K, 10K and half marathon options, plus a virtual option from Sept 1 to Sept 27, 2026.