Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2025-2026

The Shawnee Hills Trail Races, taking place on August 23-24, 2025, at Camp Ondessonk in Ozark, IL, offers a variety of challenging distances including a 100-mile, 100K, 50K, and half marathon. Set in the picturesque Shawnee National Forest, participants will navigate a technical course featuring stu..

The Gristmill Grind 10K is an annual trail race held at Franklin Creek State Parks Natural Area, known for its challenging terrain and scenic views. Scheduled for August 30, 2025, this event features a 10K race with significant elevation changes and creek crossings, as well as a 1-mile walk for part..

The Temptation 200 Ultras is an annual running event taking place in Sand Ridge State Forest, Forest City, IL, on Labor Day Weekend. Celebrating its 7th anniversary in 2025, the event features multiple race distances: a challenging 200K, a 50K, and a "Not at all Tempted 10K." Participants can regist..

The Naperville Trails Half Marathon & 10K is a scenic running event taking place in Wheaton, Illinois, on September 6, 2025. Participants can choose between a half marathon and a newly introduced 10K distance, both of which traverse the beautiful crushed limestone trails of the Danada Forest Preserv..

The Last Boyscout is a challenging Last Man Standing Race held at Ferne Clyffe State Park in Goreville, Illinois. Participants navigate a tough 4.167-mile loop that includes both trail and road sections, with significant elevation gain. The race format encourages endurance and resilience, as runners..

The Kennekuk Road Runners - Wild Wild Wilderness is an annual running event held in Oakwood, Illinois, featuring a variety of races including a 5K, a 7.45-mile trail run, and the WWW Challenge. This event celebrates community spirit and resilience, welcoming both seasoned runners and newcomers. The..

The Big Horse 5K, hosted by Gut Check Fitness, is an exciting trail and mud run set in the scenic Big Horse Vineyards in Lewistown, Illinois. This event features a mix of natural obstacles, including hills, streams, and a thrilling slip-n-slide, making it a fun challenge for participants of all ages..

Timely Nonsense is a unique running event taking place in Chicago, IL, featuring both 6-hour and 12-hour timed races. Participants can choose to run individually or as part of a relay team of two or four. The race is set in a scenic 58-acre park, where runners will navigate a 0.75-mile paved loop.Ea..

The Tiger 10 Miler is an annual trail race held in Byron, Illinois, featuring a challenging 10-mile course through the scenic Byron Forest Preserve and Nardi Equine Prairie. Participants receive a custom finisher's medal, a race shirt, and have the chance to win awards in various age categories. The..

The 4sta Hike is the 8th Annual event held at the Loud Thunder Forest Preserve in Illinois City, IL, along the banks of the Mississippi River. Participants can tackle a 1-mile loop course, with options for an easier or more challenging route, depending on trail conditions. The event has a time limit..

The Half Day at the Lake is an exciting running event taking place in Evanston, IL, featuring both 12-hour and 6-hour races. Set along a scenic 2-mile loop by the lakefront and Northwestern University, this race caters to all experience levels, from seasoned ultra-runners to first-timers. Participan..

The Hennepin Hundred is Illinois' only point-to-point, all-trail ultramarathon, taking place along the scenic Hennepin Canal State Trail. Scheduled for October 4-5, 2025, this event features multiple race distances, including a 100-mile, 50-mile, and 50K, making it suitable for both seasoned ultraru..

The Des Plaines River Trail Races feature a variety of endurance events, including a Half Marathon, Marathon, 50K, and 50 Mile race, all set along the scenic Des Plaines River Trail in Lake County, Illinois. Participants will enjoy a flat, wide, crushed gravel trail that meanders through lush forest..

The Farmdale Trail Run, taking place on October 11-12, 2025, offers a variety of endurance races including a 10K, half marathon, and ultra distances of 30, 50, and 100 miles. Set in the scenic 800-acre Farmdale Reservoir area in East Peoria, Illinois, the event features winding single-track trails a..

The Arrowhead Endurance Run, taking place on October 11-12, 2025, at Arrowhead Lake Campground in Johnston City, IL, features a variety of race options including a 24-hour race, 12-hour night run, 6-hour, and 3-hour events. The course consists of a certified 2.07-mile loop primarily made of gravel,..

Soul Crusher is an exhilarating trail running event taking place in Crystal Lake, IL, featuring challenging 5-mile and 10-mile courses designed by Jeff Lenard. Known for its tough terrain, the race promises a unique experience that will test participants' limits. Runners can expect surprises along t..

The Shake Your Trail Feather Trail Run is a vibrant trail running event taking place at Willenborg Woods in Charleston, IL, on October 18, 2025. Participants can choose from various distances, including a 50K, half marathon, 10K, and 5K, catering to both competitive runners and casual nature enthusi..

The Fancy Nonsense 25K/50K is a whimsical running event designed to bring joy and laughter to participants while challenging their physical and mental limits. Set in the scenic Palos Trail System near Chicago, the race features a 5.5-mile loop course primarily on single track trails. Runners can enj..

The Allerton Park Trail Run, organized by the Second Wind Running Club, takes place at the scenic Robert Allerton Park in Monticello, Illinois. This event features a challenging 5.7-mile trail run and a 2-mile nature walk, allowing participants to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. Proceeds f..

The Tunnel Hill 100 & 50 Mile Runs, held in Vienna, Illinois, is a premier ultramarathon event featuring both 100-mile and 50-mile races. The course, renowned for its smooth, crushed limestone trail, offers a scenic route through the Tunnel Hill State Trail, including iconic tunnels and picturesque..