Trail Running calendar near Sterling 2026-2027

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a festive 5K run/walk along Peoria's Riverfront Trail. The event features costumes and finishes with a party at Kelleher's Irish Pub, including food and a drink. Proceeds benefit Crew 309.

Event Overview Tour de Trails is a series of four winter trail runs held on Saturdays from December 2025 to March 2026. Each race is held at a different forest preserve or park in the Rockford, Illinois area. Participants can register for i..

Conclude the winter series with a 10K trail race at the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. Navigate dirt paths and limestone trails to earn your finisher medal and final pieces of the challenge series gear.

Race against the clock on a 2.25-mile alternating loop trail in Lowell Park. Choose the 8-hour 806, the 3-hour 314, or form a relay team. Finishers within the time limit earn unique apparel.

Hit the trails for Chauncey's 4 at The Farm, a 4-mile stampede through the historic St James Farm. It's the kick-off event for the 2026 trail running series. Runners can tackle the rolling limestone and wooded paths for a chance at awards a..

Celebrate Earth Day on the trails at Veteran Acres park. Choose from a 50K, 15-mile, or 5-mile loop on scenic single-track. The event focuses on being landfill-free and offers awards for top finishers.

Loud Thunder 50 offers three trail distances through the rugged terrain of Loud Thunder Forest Preserve. The loop course features significant elevation and fully stocked aid stations. Camping is available right at the start and finish line.

Run or walk to support Anderson Humane at their largest fundraiser. Choose a timed 5K run or bring your dog for a 1.5-mile walk along the Batavia Riverwalk. The event includes awards, a lure course, and activities for animal lovers.

Trail run in Dubuque on May 2, 2026 offering 5K, 10K and half marathon distances. The event features marked trails, basic timing, a custom bib, a rotating race item, and post-race food; series entry includes a series gift.

Run a flat, out-and-back course on the historic Great Western Trail. Choose from a half-marathon or 10K distance. Your registration supports local mental health charities.

Experience a trail race through the scenic Wildlife Prairie Park in Central Illinois. Choose between an accessible 5k loop or a more demanding 10k course featuring single track trails and post race snacks.

Run the beautiful single-track trails at Sunderbruch Park in Davenport. Choose from a ~5k or a ~10k course, followed by a community potluck. This cup-free event supports the local trail builders.

The Sugar Badger 50 Miles is a trail ultramarathon scheduled for May 2026. Organized by Ten Junk Miles Racing, it focuses on a community atmosphere on the trails. The event is a single 50-mile distance challenge.

Join the free Dirt Circus community running festival in Crystal Lake on May 30, 2026. Choose between a 4.3-mile or 6.8-mile social group run, then enjoy a festival with food, an expo of local brands, and a raffle. Meet race directors and co..

Hickory Knolls Trail Run The event is the sixth annual Hickory Knolls Trail Run & Relay. It takes place at the Hickory Knolls Nature Area within James O. Breen Community Park in St. Charles, Illinois. The event is the second installment..

Join an inclusive multi-state running series in the American Midwest. Choose from distances ranging from a 5K to a 50K with no time limits and a supportive community atmosphere.

Experience the rugged beauty of the Illinois River Bluff at Camp Wokanda. This summer trail event features distances from a half marathon to 100 miles on technical, wooded single track with significant elevation.

Challenge yourself on the scenic trails of Iowa's Mines of Spain with 4-mile, 7-mile, and half marathon races. The courses feature a mix of prairie paths, forest tracks, and blufftop views. Proceeds support local trail conservation.

Run the Rails offers a unique 1, 4, or 7-mile run starting from Prairie Park in Elburn. The courses cross a rail line bridge, providing views of the surrounding countryside. This community event supports the Elburn Parks Commission.

Explore the diverse trails of Scott County Park at the ScoCo50 trail run. Choose from 50K, 10 mile, or 5 mile distances on a forgiving course through woods and prairie. The event includes aid stations and supports the local park.