Trail Running calendar near Sterling 2026-2027

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, IL with looped courses of about 5 miles per lap, options for single runners or three‑person relays, on mixed grass, gravel, and dirt trails.

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.

Experience the beauty of New Glarus Woods State Park with trail races ranging from 5k to 16k. This annual event features forested loops and prairie views while supporting park conservation efforts.

Run the Rails in Elburn, Illinois on August 22, 2026 features a 1-mile fun run plus 4- and 7-mile courses that start and finish at Prairie Park. The routes cross the Union Pacific West rail line and benefit the Elburn Parks Commission.

Tough Mudder Chicago on August 29, 2026 at Rockford International Airport offers 5K, 15K and an eight hour Infinity format across fields, trails and creek crossings, with Mudder Village, finisher items, and group and volunteer options.

Trail races at Scott County Park near Long Grove IA offering 50K, 10 Miler and 5 Miler courses on mixed dirt and grass trails. The 50K is three laps of a roughly 10 mile loop with aid stations and specific crew and pacer rules.

A technical trail event at Franklin Creek State Natural Area featuring 5K and 10K routes with multiple hills, limestone bluffs, creek crossings, and a rucking option. Proceeds support the Franklin Creek Conservation Association.

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.

Last Dot Standing runs alternating one hour 4.2 mile legs between Belleville Community Park and Dot's Tavern in Belleville WI. Parallel 24 hour, 48 hour and 8 hour events use the same course and offer mile buckles and cash prizes.

A multi-division obstacle course event at The Cliffs park featuring 5K and 10K courses, a ruck division, a multi-lap Bearded Challenge, and a kid's course. Finishers receive a shirt, medal and professional action photos.

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 dog friendly 2K and 5K fun run and walk at Case Creek Valley supporting Rock Island County Animal Shelter, with participant swag, dog treats, and specific leash and vaccination rules.

A grassroots loop ultra at Dixon Park District offering 25K, 50K, 100K and 100 mile options on a 7.85 mile mixed surface loop with two aid locations, crew and pacer policies, and finisher awards.

Trail races at Swiss Valley Nature Preserve in Peosta IA use a 5.2 mile loop with creek crossings, steep climbs and rugged terrain, offered as 5.2 mile, 25k and 50k. Free camping, showers and shuttle service are provided.

A point-to-point all-trail ultramarathon along the Hennepin Canal State Trail between Sterling and Colona, Illinois. Multiple distances include 100 mile, 50 mile, 50K and a 100 mile team relay; aid stations are every three to seven miles.

Experience natural dirt trails and scenic views at this Janesville event featuring a competitive 5k run and casual walk. Stay for the heritage celebration with food trucks and live music after you finish.

Experience a chip timed 5k trail run through the diverse terrain and scenic landscapes of Oakdale Nature Preserve. All proceeds support local park projects and trail maintenance.

A trail running event at Farmdale Reservoir on October 10-11, 2026 offering 10K through 100-mile distances on single-track and prairie terrain, with camping, aid stations, pacers, and finisher awards including shirts and medals.