Trail Running calendar near Sterling 2026-2027

Frozen Gnome on Jan 10, 2026 in Crystal Lake, Illinois is a winter trail challenge through Veteran Acres and Sterne’s Woods with 10K, a Triple Black Diamond 50K and team relays. Expect hot aid, a tech shirt and finisher medal.

Join the 50K MASHUP SLAM series in Crystal Lake and across the Midwest for trail ultras including 50K, a 53K and a 9 hour timed event. Earn a finisher buckle and series awards; register by Jan 1 2026.

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.

Tour de Trails is a four race winter trail series around Rockford IL from December to March, featuring 3, 6, 9 and 12 mile routes through scenic local preserves. Expect icy, snowy conditions and a friendly community vibe supporting Rockford..

Run a winter trail 5K at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia on Jan 24, the first of three races in the Fox Valley Winter Challenge. Trails may be snowy or muddy; finishers get snacks, a medal and a cozy winter hat.

Lace up for the Galena Classic Sasquatch Shuffle, a festive 3k snowshoe run or walk at Eagle Ridge on February 14, 2026. Event goes on with or without snow, rentals available and awards for top finishers in multiple divisions.

Run the Fox Valley Winter Challenge 8K on Feb 21 at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, a mixed terrain winter trail with possible snow, ice, or mud. All finishers get a medal and completing the series earns bonus gear including a hooded zi..

Tour de Trails is a four race winter trail series around Rockford IL from December to March, featuring 3, 6, 9 and 12 mile routes through scenic local preserves. Expect icy, snowy conditions and a friendly community vibe supporting Rockford..

Join the festive Blarney Blitz 5K in Peoria on March 14, 2026 for a St. Patrick's Day themed run along the scenic Riverfront Trail. Celebrate at the post race party at Kelleher's Irish Pub with food and a drink ticket.

Tour de Trails is a four race winter trail series around Rockford IL from December to March, featuring 3, 6, 9 and 12 mile routes through scenic local preserves. Expect icy, snowy conditions and a friendly community vibe supporting Rockford..

Wrap up winter on scenic mixed trails at the Fox Valley Winter Challenge 10K in St. Charles on March 22, 2026. Expect varied footing, a finisher medal and cozy winter hat, plus bundle pricing if you tackled other series races.

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.

Tackle a scenic 4 mile loop through rolling limestone and wooded trails at St James Farm in Warrenville, IL, with roots, mud and natural single loop terrain. Enjoy a long sleeve race shirt, wood finisher medallion and lively race day atmosp..

Celebrate Earth Day at Crystal Lake with 50K, 15 Mile and 5 Mile trail options on a rolling 5 mile loop around the pond. Enjoy single track, a main aid station with homemade fuel and an eco friendly vibe.

Loud Thunder 50 features 50 mile, 50K and half marathon trail races at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve in Illinois City, IL, running scenic loops mostly on single and double track with plenty of climbing. Camp at Horse Corral Campground and en..

Part of the Iowa Trail Run Series, Mines of Spain in Dubuque offers 5K, 10K and half marathon trail options on Saturday May 2, 2026. Expect marked courses, rotating race swag, optional tech shirt and tasty post race food.

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.

Join Sunderbruch Park trail races in Davenport on May 16, 2026 with 5K and 10K on mostly single track dirt trails. The 5K is rolling while the 10K adds technical climbs and sharp descents. Bring your own cup or bottle.

Run the Sugar Badger 50/50 and Half in Belleville WI with 50M, 50K and half marathon options on flat, scenic Badger and Sugar River trails with trestles and a short tunnel. Aid, free photos, pizza and beer await finishers.

Free one day running festival in Crystal Lake celebrating local races, clubs, and brands. Pick a 4.3 or 6.8 mile social run, browse the expo, enter raffles, demo gear, and enjoy food, drinks and community fun.