Trail Running calendar near Topeka 2025-2026

Celebrate the 16th Cactus Classic Trail Races on Mar 7, 2026 at Sand Ridge State Forest in Manito, IL. Choose marathon, half marathon or 10K and run scenic sandy pine trails dotted with wild cactus for a memorable spring trail experience.

Run scenic single track loops around Clinton Lake near DeWitt, IL through forests, hills and meadows with a bridge connecting the course. Choose the 30 Miler or 10 Mile, enjoy post race food and a long sleeved finisher item.

Potawatomi Trail Runs in Pekin IL celebrates 25 years with distances from 10 to 200 miles. Run scenic 10 mile single track loops through prairies and creeks, and earn shirts, medals, buckles and jackets for the longest finishes.

Enjoy scenic road and trail courses at Allerton Races in Monticello with a Half Marathon, 10K and a nighttime Trail Glo 5K. Proceeds benefit Robert Allerton Park and Make A Wish Illinois, and virtual options are available.

Run a scenic 8K through Lincoln Memorial Garden on May 30, 2026, with trails along Lake Springfield and the Ostermeier Prairie Center. Family friendly Kids Fun Runs, finisher shirts, and wooden medallions make this a great spring outing.

Temptation 200 Ultras at Sand Ridge State Forest near Forest City, Illinois on Labor Day weekend offers tough single loop terrain and distances from 50K to 200K. Camping at the start and a 40 hour cutoff make it welcoming for ultra runners.

Hit the fast rolling Sand Creek trails near Decatur with 4.4 or 7.6 mile options, in person or virtual. Enjoy a technical long sleeve shirt, finisher medal and snacks while supporting the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Run The Woods in Hudson IL offers scenic trail 5K and 8K races plus untimed family walks, welcoming youth and adult participants. Proceeds benefit Easterseals Central Illinois and Timber Pointe to help kids of all abilities attend camp.

Enjoy the Allerton Park Trail Run on October 25, 2026 at Robert Allerton Park in Monticello Illinois, featuring a scenic 5.7 mile riverside trail, a relaxed 2 mile nature walk, and a virtual option. Proceeds support park upkeep and the day..