Trail Running calendar near Springfield 2026-2027

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.

Blarney Blitz is a St. Patrick's Day themed 5K Run/Walk in Peoria, running along the Riverfront Trail with a post-race party at Kelleher's Irish Pub. The event benefits Crew 309 and is organized by ShaZam Racing.

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.

Celebrate Independence Day at Freedom Run 2026 in Centennial Park, Springfield, with a 10K, 5K, and 1 Mile fun run. Chip timed courses start atop Centennial Hill, wind through scenic trails, and finish with breakfast, a shirt, and a medal.

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.

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.

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.

Join the Miles for Marshall 5K trail run and walk on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Patriot's Park in Greenville to support childhood cancer research and families. Run or walk scenic trails with community spirit and purpose.

Join Run The Woods on October 3, 2026 at Timber Pointe in Hudson IL for scenic trail races and a fun untimed one mile walk. Proceeds benefit Easterseals Central Illinois and Timber Pointe to help kids attend camp.

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.