Trail Running calendar near Monticello 2026-2027

Join the Frozen Cock's Crow 5K at Willenborg Woods, a spirited trail run on technical singletrack with steep climbs and a stream crossing. Enjoy a family friendly, grassroots vibe and a fun post race celebration.

Run the festive Fat Tuesday 5K or 10K at Keg Grove in Bloomington along the Constitution Trail. Grab Mardi Gras beads, enter a King Cake raffle and enjoy post race drinks while supporting St Vincent De Paul.

Run the scenic Cactus Classic Trail Races in Manito, IL on March 7, 2026, celebrating 16 years on pine forest trails. Choose marathon, half marathon or 10K and enjoy runnable flats, rolling sections and glimpses of wild cactus.

Join the festive Blarney Blitz 5K in Peoria on March 14, 2026 for a St. Patrick's Day themed run along the scenic Riverfront Trail. Celebrate at the post race party at Kelleher's Irish Pub with food and a drink ticket.

Run scenic single track loops around Clinton Lake with 30 mile and 10 mile options on March 28, 2026. Expect rolling terrain, fully stocked aid stations, finisher swag and a community focused event supporting local trail maintenance.

Celebrate 25th Potawatomi Trail Runs April 9 to 12 in Pekin, Illinois at McNaughton Park. Choose from multiple ultra distances or a scenic 10 mile loop over single track, prairies and creek crossings with on course aid and rustic camping.

Allerton Races on April 11 and 12, 2026 features trail and road routes, a glowing nighttime Trail Glo 5K and virtual options for every pace. Proceeds support Robert Allerton Park and Make A Wish Illinois with Wish Warrior recognition.

Run the scenic 8K through Lincoln Memorial Garden on May 30 in Springfield, with wood chipped trails, bridges, and a Kids Fun Run around Cawley Meadow. Finishers get a shirt and wooden medallion, and the field is limited so register early.

Join the 28th annual Lake Mingo Trail Run on June 13, 2026 at Kennekuk Cove County Park, a scenic 7.1 mile loop mostly on natural trails with rolling hills and nine bridges. Celebrate afterward with food, beer, and great trail camaraderie.

Join the CMAR Trail Races at Camp Wokanda July 17 to 19, 2026, offering 100 Mile, 50 Mile, 50K and Half Marathon on scenic, hilly loop and out and back courses. Big elevation and friendly aid stations make it a rewarding trail challenge.

Join the Madder Than A Wet Hen 5K in Charleston IL for a rugged forest trail run featuring a knee deep river crossing and a fierce climb up Billy Goat Hill. Reward yourself after the finish with pancakes and ice cream.

Run a scenic 10k around Stryker Lake at Griffin Bike Park with rolling hills, wide trails and two friendly laps that make passing easy. Camping at Fowler Park and the concurrent DINO Gravel Triathlon create a lively event atmosphere.

Take on Sand Ridge State Forest near Forest City Illinois the weekend of September 5 2026 at Temptation 200 Ultras. Pick a 200K, 50K or the cheeky Not At All Tempted 10K and opt to stop at a shorter distance on race day.

Hit the Wild Wild Wilderness at Kickapoo State Recreation Area on September 12, 2026 with 5K or a rugged 7.45 mile trail through woods, steep climbs and creek crossings. Celebrate finishes with food, drinks and awards.

Run fast rolling trails at Sand Creek in Decatur on Sept 12 and choose 4.4 or 7.6 miles for a lively trail challenge. Get a tech shirt and finisher medal while supporting the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Hit the trails at Run The Woods on October 3, 2026 in Hudson IL with 5K and 8K races, youth divisions, and a one mile trail walk for all ages. Proceeds support Easterseals Central Illinois and Timber Pointe Outdoor Center.

Shake Your Trail Feather is a two day trail race at Willenborg Woods that winds single track trails, creek crossings and rolling climbs. Distances from 5K to 100K, full course support and a lively post race celebration.

Enjoy a scenic and challenging 5.7 mile trail run along the Sangamon River at Robert Allerton Park in Monticello IL, finishing in a meadow. Proceeds support park trail care and there is a 2 mile nature walk plus a virtual option.