Trail Running calendar near Sterling 2026-2027

Experience flowing singletrack and deep ravines at Black Partridge Park in Metamora. This five mile trail race features creek crossings and steep climbs through mature Illinois forests.

A trail 5K at Byron Forest Preserve with chip timing and awards by age group, plus a 1 mile Fun Run with a participation medal. Parking and indoor restrooms are available onsite.

A timed endurance event at Lowell Park where participants loop a .411 mile paved course for 6, 12, or 24 hours, solo or in three-person relays, self-supported with a central tent area and volunteer oversight.

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.

An evening cross-country meet at Detweiller Park on July 24, 2026, with races for kids, middle school, high school, and open competitors plus a kids' fun run; registration closes July 23 and parking is $10 cash 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 night trail event in Dixon, Illinois on August 8, 2026, held on a roughly five mile loop with multiple distance options and a three person relay. One aid station, participant tees, and awards for top finishers.

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.

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.

Run the Rails in Elburn, IL features a 1-mile fun run plus 4- and 7-mile races at Prairie Park, crossing the Union Pacific West rail line, with proceeds supporting the Elburn Parks Commission.

Trail races at Scott County Park near Long Grove, IA on August 29, 2026 offer 50K, 10 mile and 5 mile options on a multi loop course with stocked aid stations and a no refund registration policy.

A technical trail event at Franklin Creek State Natural Area on September 5, 2026, offering 5K and 10K courses with multiple creek crossings and notable elevation. Proceeds benefit the Franklin Creek Conservation Association and awards are..

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 four hour looped trail event at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve featuring a one mile loop with steep gradients and off trail sections. Prizes go to the runners with the most loops and proceeds support the preserve.

Turbo Trot and Mini Road Race Rally in Geneva combines a 2.5 mile run, a 1 mile kids race, and a battery car rally for ages 3 to 8 at Peck Farm Park. The event raises funds for the Geneva Park District Scholarship Fund.

Alternating one hour legs of 4.2 miles between Belleville Community Park and Dot's Tavern form a last person standing race. The weekend also features 24 hour and 48 hour races on the same loop with distance buckles and prize pots.

Midwest OCR in Marseilles, Illinois features 5K and 10K obstacle courses, ruck options, a kid's loop, and a multi-lap Bearded Challenge, with finisher shirts, medals, and professional photos included; elite divisions award podiums and cash..

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.