Trail Running calendar near Sterling 2026-2027

A grassroots trail event in Dixon, IL on a roughly 7.85 mile loop offering distances from about 8 miles up to a 100 Miler, featuring singletrack, meadow and gravel sections, two aid locations, crew access and pacer allowances.

A 30 minute run or walk up Mt. Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve on September 26, 2026. Entry fees support Bridge Communities to house a family for two years while they work toward self sufficiency.

Trail races at Swiss Valley Nature Preserve near Peosta, Iowa, run on a 5.2 mile loop with creek crossings and steep climbs. Options include 50K, 25K and a single 5.2 mile loop, with free camping and showers nearby.

A point to point, all-trail ultramarathon along the Hennepin Canal State Trail in Illinois offering 100 mile, 100 mile team relay, 50 mile and 50K options, with aid stations every 3 to 7 miles and a 30 hour cutoff for Western States eligibi..

Trail events at Rock River Heritage County Park on October 3, 2026 include a timed 5K with chip timing and a guided 2.4 mile walk, plus a park celebration with music, food trucks, tastings, and raffles.

Autumn Leaf Run is a 5K trail event at Oakdale Nature Preserve in Freeport on 10/03/2026. The looped course crosses prairies, creek and wooded trails and raises funds for park improvements through the Freeport Parks Foundation.

A coffee-themed, untimed fun run at Case Creek Trails on October 4, 2026, offering 2K and 5K routes, hot drinks and aid stations. The event raises funds for the local animal shelter and includes optional swag and finish tokens.

A multi-distance trail event at Farmdale Reservoir near East Peoria, IL on October 10-11, 2026, featuring races from 10K to 100 miles, single-track and prairie trails, on-site camping, aid stations, and awards for finishers.

A multi-loop trail ultra in Dubuque with 100 mile and 100 kilometer options, varied terrain and substantial elevation gain through the Mines of Spain Recreation Area.

Trail run at Saw Wee Kee Park on October 17, 2026, over soft, twisting trails with variable footing. Bib-timed waves, part of a four-race series with collectible medal pieces and seasonal swag.

Nature-based out-and-back event in Roscoe, IL offering a 5K run or 2 mile walk on mixed gravel and crushed limestone, starting at Roscoe Middle School and passing a water station twice.

A Halloween-themed trail event in Pingree Grove, IL on October 23, 2026 with multiple 5 km heats, haunted sets and animatronics, plus a costume contest, bonfire and food; spectator fee $10, free parking.

A November trail event in the Mines of Spain near Dubuque, IA, offering 25K and 50K courses with three aid stations and roughly 2200 or 4400 feet of elevation gain. The routes run on single-track and prairie trails with river and monument v..

A Backyard Ultra in Colona, IL where runners repeat a single *4.17m* loop each hour until they stop. The course is mostly flat with one ravine hill and offers parking and space to camp.

Trail running at Camp Big Timber in Elgin, IL on November 8, 2026, featuring 3 and 5 mile perimeter courses with a creek crossing. A kids fun run and a pancake breakfast are included, and proceeds support local youth organizations.

A Backyard Ultra in Delmar IA on November 13, 2026 where runners complete a 4.16 mile loop each hour until one remains. Participants receive a 10x10 foot camp space, may bring 1 to 3 crew members, and registration is capped at 250.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a 2 mile run through the wooded trails of Sheffield Illinois. Wear your best holiday costume for a chance to win prizes at this untimed community event.

A community Turkey Trot through Atwood Park near 5k with chipped timing, common trail obstacles and door prizes. No GPS or timing devices are allowed and donations are collected for local causes.

The 36th annual FOLEPI River Trail Classic in East Peoria features a 4 Mile competitive run and a 2 Mile non competitive walk, shirt and no shirt entry options, age group awards for the run, and a post race gathering at a local pizzeria.

A four-race winter trail series in Dixon, Illinois totaling 31 miles across varied terrain. Distances include 5K, 10K, 15K, and 20K with series awards, age-group prizes, and multi-race apparel for series finishers.