Trail Running calendar near Sterling 2026-2027

An overnight loop endurance event at the Pinetum in Lowell Park, Dixon IL. Runners choose 6, 12 or 24 hour formats on an approximately 0.411 mile paved loop and self track laps; solo and three person relay options available.

Test your endurance on the technical river bluff trails of Illinois with distances ranging from a half marathon to 100 miles. Experience rolling hills and steep climbs within the beautiful wooded canopy of Camp Wokanda.

A summer night cross-country meet at Detweiller Park in Peoria with races for kids, junior high, high school and open divisions. Packet pickup is race day only and registration closes July 23; parking is $10 per vehicle.

Experience the final race of the summer at Farmdale Reservoir in Washington Illinois. This five mile trail run features a mix of prairie woods and singletrack paths through a diverse landscape.

Experience the natural beauty of Dubuque with trail races through the Mines of Spain Recreation Area. Enjoy distances ranging from 4 miles to a half marathon followed by a post race party with brick oven pizza and local beer.

A nighttime trail event in Dixon IL with looped courses including 15 mile, 10 mile, 5 mile and a three person relay. The course mixes grass, gravel and dirt and features a single aid station at the start finish.

A multi-event day in Coal Valley with a 5K Mud Adventure Run, a Ninja Kids Run, and a Cross Country Trail Run. Main obstacles include a Tire Wall, Ninja Scaling Wall and Weight Lift; spectator entry is $7.

A retro 5K cross-country race by Fox River Trail Runners at Settler's Hill in Geneva. Entry fees are $10 for members and $12 for non-members, and proceeds support the course's preservation.

Trail races at New Glarus Woods State Park on August 15, 2026 include 16K, 8K, 5K and a free 1K kids run. Proceeds benefit Friends of New Glarus Woods State Park and awards include age-group prizes plus a 16K consistency award.

ScoCo50 is a trail race at Scott County Park near Long Grove, IA offering 50K, 10 mile and 5 mile options on mixed dirt and grass trails, with aid stations, drop bag access, and limited crew and pacer allowances.

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..

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 4 hour event on a 1 mile loop at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve near Andalusia, Illinois. Rocky singletrack, roots, downed trees and steep sections offer repeated climbs, and registrations include a shirt plus post race food.

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 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.

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.

A non-timed 2K and 5K trail run/walk at Case Creek Valley that welcomes leashed dogs and supports Rock Island County Animal Care & Control Shelter, with race bibs, optional T-shirts, finisher dog tags, and hydration stations.

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.