Trail Running calendar near Palos Hills 2025-2026

Childish Nonsense is a playful trail run at Deer Grove in Palatine offering distances from 10K to 50 miles on mostly smooth looped trails. Expect laps, an on course aid station, and plenty of shenanigans from the whimsical organizers.

Join Run Happy at Potato Creek State Park on May 2, 2026 for trail friendly distances from 10K up to 50K, welcoming walkers, runners and families on clearly marked loops. All races are chip timed for a fun, supported day on broken in trails..

Run the Great Western Half Marathon and 10K on a flat out and back limestone path along the historic Great Western Trail. Hosted by Fox River Trail Runners, this longtime race supports local mental health charities.

Run scenic horse and forest trails at Teason's Woods on May 9, 2026 with a 26.2 mile marathon or a 10 mile option. Finishers get a wooden medal and can refuel with hot chili and beer.

Join the JH Memorial 5 Mile Trail Run on May 25, 2026 at Stoney Run Park for a rugged trail with marked turns, a water station, and an optional pond crossing. Finishers receive snacks, medals for top places, and a free water bottle.

Celebrate the 25th anniversary 5K for Double "J" in Joliet on June 6, 2026 as participants run the Rock Run Greenway and finish at Cemeno's. Proceeds support the Pat Clark Cancer Foundation and registration includes a T shirt and medal.

The Xterra Dino Northern Indiana will take place in North Liberty on Saturday 20 June 2026. You can run 7 kilometers.

Join DBC Gifts of Love Community 5K in Flossmoor on June 20, 2026, for a scenic 5K at Vollmer Road Grove Forest Preserve or run the Virtual 5K. Help send backpacks, school supplies and gift cards to local homeless students.

Run the DINO 7K Trail Run on June 20, 2026 at Potato Creek State Park for a scenic 7 km lollipop loop with two rolling hills. Part of the DINO Trail Run Series, the event awards series points and age group medals.

Take on the Trail Golf Endurance Challenge in Valparaiso on June 27, 2026 at Trailyard Outpost. Choose 50K, 10 mile or relay teams and tackle looped timed holes with rolling climbs and golf style scoring that blends pace and strategy.

Tackle tree covered single track and creek crossings at Oakadoke Trail Runs in Valparaiso on August 1, 2026, with 18 mile, 9 mile, and 4 mile options for all abilities. Custom finisher awards and youth pricing make this a fun family friendl..

Run the GristMill Grind on September 5, 2026 at Franklin Creek State Natural Area, a hilly technical trail offering 5K and 10K routes through ravines, limestone bluffs, springs and creek crossings. Proceeds support park conservation.

Run scenic loops through Tryon Farm's grassy fields and single track trails while supporting the Tryon Farm Institute. Choose distances from a 2 mile fun run up to a challenging 50k in this inclusive Crazy Legs Race Series event.

Join the Haunted Highlander Assault Trail Run in McHenry on October 3, 2026 for spooky 5 km heats through haunted sets and animatronics. After the run enjoy a costume contest, bonfire, live entertainment and food.

Join the Jaimie Cox Memorial Run in Roscoe IL on October 17, 2026 for a family friendly 5K or 2 mile walk along the scenic Stone Bridge Trail. Run for a cause as proceeds support the Jaimie Cox Memorial Scholarship.

Fancy Nonsense is a looped trail race at Red Gate Woods near Willow Springs and Lemont, Illinois, with 50K, 25K and 5 mile options on runnable singletrack. Expect repeated 5.5 mile loops, plentiful aid and classic ultra snacks.

The Forge Trail Run Festival in Lemont Illinois offers 10K to 60K on scenic single and double track trails around the quarries and the I&M Canal. Field capped at 400 with lap courses that call for trail shoes and self supported hydration.