Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2024-2025

The Elsa Chicken Plucker Backyard Ultra is an exciting trail running event set in the scenic Willenborg Woods, Charleston, IL. Participants tackle a 4.167-mile loop every hour, with the last runner standing earning a Bronze Ticket to the prestigious Big Dog's Backyard Ultra World Championship. The c..

The Yellowbrick Backyard Ultra is a unique running event taking place in Peoria, Illinois, at Kinsey Park, featuring a whimsical Wizard of Oz theme. This "last runner standing" race consists of 4.16-mile loops starting every hour until only one runner remains. Participants must return to the start l..

The Pinetum Mind Games Endurance Event is an exciting running challenge held at Lowell Park in Dixon, IL. Participants can choose to compete in 6, 12, or 24-hour formats, either solo or as part of a relay team. The course consists of a .411-mile loop designed to test mental and physical endurance, e..

The Chupacabra Trail Races, taking place in Dixon, IL, offers participants a unique night running experience on August 9, 2025. Runners can choose from three distances: 5 miles, 10 miles, or 15 miles, with a loop course that combines grass, gravel, and dirt trails. The event features a single aid st..

The Shawnee Hills Trail Races, taking place on August 23-24, 2025, 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 through stunning landscapes featuring rock formati..

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. Partici..

The Temptation 200 Ultras is an annual running event held in Sand Ridge State Forest, Forest City, IL, featuring multiple distance options: a challenging 200K, a 50K, and a "Not at all Tempted 10K." Scheduled for Labor Day Weekend 2025, this event tests participants both physically and mentally, enc..

The Naperville Trails Half Marathon and 10K is an annual running event held in Wheaton, Illinois, featuring a scenic course through the Danada Forest Preserve. Participants can choose between a half marathon or a new 10K distance, both of which are USATF certified. The event celebrates its 15th anni..

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, established in 1981, celebrates community spirit and resilience, welcoming both seasoned runne..

The Last Boyscout is a challenging Last Man Standing race held at Ferne Clyffe State Park in Goreville, Illinois. Participants navigate a 4.167-mile loop that includes a mix of single track and jeep road trails, featuring significant elevation changes. The race format encourages endurance and resili..

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, with options for 2 or 4-person teams. The race is set in a scenic 58-acre park, where runners will navigate a ..

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 suitable for participants of all ages and sk..

The Hennepin Hundred is Illinois' only point-to-point, all-trail ultramarathon, taking place along the scenic Hennepin Canal State Trail. This event features multiple race distances, including a 100-mile, 50-mile, and 50K, making it suitable for both seasoned ultrarunners and newcomers. The course i..

The Arrowhead Endurance Run is a multi-distance running event taking place at Arrowhead Lake Campground in Johnston City, IL, on October 11-12, 2025. Participants can choose from various race formats, including a 24-hour race, 12-hour race, and shorter options like 6-hour and 3-hour races. The cours..

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 Shake Your Trail Feather Trail Run is a vibrant trail running event taking place at Willenborg Woods, featuring various race distances including a 50K, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. This event celebrates the joy of trail running amidst stunning natural scenery, with courses designed to challenge p..

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 Robert Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello, Illinois. This event features a challenging 5.7-mile trail run and a 2-mile nature walk, both set against the scenic backdrop of the park's trails. Partic..

The Forge Trail Run Festival is an exciting trail running event held in Lemont, Illinois, featuring a variety of race distances including a 4 Mile(ish), 10K, 20K (Half Marathon), and 30K. Participants will navigate through scenic single and double-track trails, experiencing the natural terrain of th..