Trail Running calendar near Sterling 2025-2026

Challenge winter single track trails at Veteran Acres and Sterne's Woods in Crystal Lake on a triple black diamond course offering 50K, 10K and relays. The 50K is five laps of a 10K loop with a warm Gnome Depot serving hot food and coffee.

Take on the 50K MASHUP SLAM, a Midwest trail series that spans eight scenic events and rewards runners who finish five races with a special finisher buckle. Top series placers earn awards at the final G.O.A.T.z or Miner 49'er event.

Brave winter trails in Dubuque County at the Triple D Winter Endurance Race, featuring bike and run distances from 5K to 70 miles on the Heritage Trail and nearby routes. Finish at 7Hills for warm food, prizes and community celebration.

Kick off winter in Batavia with the Fox Valley Winter Challenge 5K, a scenic trail run across prairie, grass, and limestone that may feature snow or mud. It is the first of a three race series with connectable medals and winter swag.

Tackle the middle race of the Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series on Feb 21, 2026: an 8K at Oakhurst Forest Preserve with a steep sledding hill climb and twisty, rolling winter trails. Finishers get a custom medal and premium cold weat..

Take on the Skunk Ape 806 314 Trail Race at Lowell Park with 33.75 mile and 13.5 mile solo options or a team 806 relay. Alternate wooded loops, enjoy hearty aid station fare and finisher swag, and chase podium awards and great camaraderie.

Run the Fox Valley Winter Challenge 10K at Hickory Knolls in St. Charles on Mar 22, 2026, over mixed trails and rolling climbs to test your pace. Finishers earn winter swag and a medal, plus extra gear for completing the series.

Chauncey’s 4 at The Farm is a friendly spring trail run at St James Farm in Winfield, IL, featuring a scenic 4 mile loop over limestone and wooded paths. Join the Dick Pond Trail Race Series and earn a collectible finisher woodallion.

Join the Earth Day trail run at Veterans Acres in Crystal Lake offering 50K, 15 mile and 5 mile options on a rolling 5 mile single track loop around the pond. Enjoy homemade aid station treats and a friendly, eco minded race atmosphere.

Take on rugged single track at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve with 50 mile, 50K or half marathon looped courses that pack big elevation and scenic views. Two stocked aid stations and nearby camping make for a fun, community oriented trail wee..

Run the scenic Mines of Spain in Dubuque on May 2, 2026 with 5K 10K and half marathon options. Enjoy clear course support, a custom bib and a rotating race item, plus post race food and a series gift if you register for the full series.

Join the Sugar Badger 50/50 and Half in Belleville, WI for flat, scenic out and back runs on the Badger State and Sugar River State Trails with 50 mile, 50K and half marathon options. Expect trestle bridges, a quarter mile tunnel, aid stati..

Tackle rugged trails at the GristMill Grind in Franklin Creek State Natural Area, featuring 5K and 10K routes with creek crossings, bluffs and forest canopy. All proceeds support Franklin Creek conservation and park improvements.

Test your legs on rugged, scenic loops at the Swiss Valley Trail Races with 50K, 25K and a 5.2 mile course. Enjoy creek crossings, big climbs, free camping and showers while supporting local conservation; registration opens Jan 1, 2026.

Run the scenic 104 mile Hennepin Canal State Trail from Sterling to Colona on a flat and fast all trail course. Choose 100 mile relay, 50 mile, or Mule 50K night run and earn memorable finish swag.

Take in wooded trail views at the Fall Into Fall Trail 5k in Janesville, then stay for live music, food trucks and beer and wine tasting at the festival. Run or walk a fun, scenic course and celebrate the season with community festivities.

The Mines of Spain 100 offers 100 mile and 100 kilometer trail ultraruns on scenic loops around Dubuque's Mines of Spain. Expect rugged singletrack, steep climbs and Mississippi River views on a challenging multi loop course.

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.