Trail Running calendar near Sterling 2025-2026

Run winter single track in Crystal Lake at the Frozen Gnome on Jan 10, a Triple Black Diamond loop through Veteran Acres. Choose 50K, 10K or 50K relays for teams of 2 or 5 and warm up at the Gnome Depot with hot food and coffee.

Kick off your trail season in Crystal Lake with the 50K MASHUP SLAM on January 10, 2026. Join a Midwest series of challenging 50K and 53K races that reward cumulative finish times and finisher buckles.

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.

Brave winter woods with Tour de Trails, a four race trail series around Rockford offering 3, 6, 9 and 12 mile courses on natural snowy and icy trails. Choose single races or a full series and support Rockford Road Runners community programs..

Tackle the Fox Valley Winter Challenge 5K at Dick Young Forest Preserve, the first of a three race trail series that may feature snow, slush or mud. Finishers get a medal and single race entrants receive a cozy winter hat.

Run the Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series 8K in Aurora on Feb 21, the middle race on a scenic but wintry trail with woods, open paths and possible snow or mud. All finishers get a medal and single race participants receive a cozy win..

Brave winter woods with Tour de Trails, a four race trail series around Rockford offering 3, 6, 9 and 12 mile courses on natural snowy and icy trails. Choose single races or a full series and support Rockford Road Runners community programs..

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.

Brave winter woods with Tour de Trails, a four race trail series around Rockford offering 3, 6, 9 and 12 mile courses on natural snowy and icy trails. Choose single races or a full series and support Rockford Road Runners community programs..

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.

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.

Celebrate Earth Day on April 18 at Veterans Acres in Crystal Lake with scenic single track trails and rolling hills, choosing from 50K, 15 mile or 5 mile distances. Enjoy a big aid station with homemade snacks and bring a reusable bottle.

Hit the trails at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve on April 18, 2026 with 50 mile, 50K and half marathon distances. Looped single and double track, big climbs and stocked aid stations create a scenic, serious trail challenge.

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.

Take on scenic single track at Sunderbruch Park on May 16 2026 with 5K and 10K options for all levels. Expect dirt trails, technical sections, aid stations, and a relaxed post race potluck with bacon and beer.

Run scenic flat trails along the Badger State and Sugar River in Belleville WI at the Sugar Badger 50 Miler, 50K and Half Marathon on May 23, 2026. Enjoy generous cutoffs, stocked aid stations, a quarter mile tunnel so bring a light, plus p..

Take on scenic, technical trails at the Mines of Spain Trail Races in Dubuque, IA on August 8, 2026, with 4 mile, 7 mile and half marathon options. Enjoy bluff views of the Mississippi, challenging climbs and a family friendly kids mini rac..

Run the GristMill Grind on September 5, 2026 at Franklin Creek State Natural Area, a hilly technical trail offering 5K and 10K routes through ravines, limestone bluffs, springs and creek crossings. Proceeds support park conservation.

Take on rugged trails and creek crossings at the Swiss Valley Trail Races in Peosta, Iowa on Oct 3, 2026, with 5.2 mile, 25k and 50k loop options. Proceeds benefit Friends of Dubuque County Conservation and free camping and shuttles ease ra..