Trail Running calendar near Willow Springs 2026-2027

Dirt Circus brings the trail running community together for a free festival in Crystal Lake. Enjoy a choice of group run distances, a vendor expo, food, and a raffle with prizes. Connect with local race directors and brands at this cupless,..

Run or walk a 5K on the Rock Run Greenway Trail in Joliet to support the Pat Clark Cancer Foundation. All proceeds go directly to helping local cancer patients and their families. Registration includes a T-shirt and finisher medal.

This community 5K run/walk supports homeless school children in the Chicago suburbs. Participants follow a paved trail at the Vollmer Road Grove Forest Preserve. The event includes a virtual option and aims to raise funds for essential scho..

A 7 km lollipop loop at Potato Creek State Park on June 20, 2026, featuring wide stable paths and two hills. The race is part of the DINO Trail Run Series and awards medals by overall and age-group placing plus bonus series points.

A trail running event in Valparaiso that uses golf-style scoring across repeated three to four mile "holes". Options include 50K and 10M distances plus relays, with scores based on finishing windows and lowest cumulative strokes.

Celebrating its 45th year, the YMCA Brickyard Run features a 5 Mile Gold Cup race, a 5K for younger runners, and a new 2K Family Fun Run/Walk. The event is known for its unique brick awards and supports a local YMCA scholarship fund.

A cross-country event in Williams Bay featuring a 5K run/walk and a children's quarter mile walk/run. The course follows grass trails through hills, woods and prairie, with parking and restrooms provided.

Trail runs at Twin Creeks Farm in Valparaiso feature tree covered single track, switchbacks, bridge crossings and farmland views. Races include 18 mile, 9 mile and 4 mile looped courses with finisher awards and youth pricing.

Run the Rails in Elburn, IL features a 1-mile fun run/walk plus 4- and 7-mile races starting and finishing at Prairie Park, with course views from the Anderson Road bridge and chip timing for the timed events.

A technical trail event at Franklin Creek State Natural Area near Franklin Grove, IL, offering 5K and 10K courses with multiple creek crossings, notable elevation changes, on-course water at key points, race shirts, and awards.

The Naperville Trails Half Marathon & 10K is set for September 5, 2026 in Wheaton, Illinois. Runners can choose from half marathon and 10K distances, with virtual options also available.

Looped trail races at Tryon Farm feature 2 mile, 4 mile, 8 mile, 25k and 50k options across grass, single-track dirt and short pavement sections. The event supports the Tryon Farm Institute and is part of the Crazy Legs Race Series.

A flat, fast trail event at Half Day Forest Preserve offering Half Marathon, Marathon, 50K and 50 Mile distances on crushed gravel through forests and wetlands with aid stations, finisher medals and the Marathon as a Boston qualifier.

Join the Jaimie Cox Memorial Run on October 17, 2026 in Roscoe, Illinois for a community 5K or 2 mile walk along the scenic Stone Bridge Trail. Family friendly with kids and virtual options, supporting the Jaimie Cox scholarship.

A 5k trail event in Pingree Grove that combines haunted sets, animatronics, and actors with multiple 5k heats; the day also features a costume contest, bonfire, live entertainment and food options.

Trail ultraruns of 25K and 50K on a 5.5 mile loop at Red Gate Woods near Willow Springs. Mostly single track with staffed aid stations and a 5pm cutoff; no pacers allowed.

A Halloween night run and walk through the Lake County Fairgrounds. The event includes a timed 5K and a non-timed 2K walk, costume prizes, and entry to a festive market. Bring a flashlight for the evening course.

A looped half marathon trail race at Stoney Run County Park featuring mixed surfaces, aid stations at the start area and 3.5 mile mark, informal timing with popsicle sticks, oncourse signage, a race raffle, and event merchandise.

A trail race at The Forge in Lemont, IL on November 14, 2026 offering 10K, 20K, 30K and 60K on single and double track trails with variable surfaces, an aid station for multi-lap races, and a 400-runner cap.