Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2025-2026

Hit scenic trails at the 16th annual Ondessonk Trail Races on April 11, 2026 at Camp Ondessonk in Ozark IL. Choose from a half marathon, Manchester 10k, 5k, or One Mile Fun Run through forests, canyons and around Lake Echon.

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.

Celebrate Earth Day on April 18 at Veterans Acres in Crystal Lake with scenic single track trails and rolling hills, choosing from 50K, 15 mile or 5 mile distances. Enjoy a big aid station with homemade snacks and bring a reusable bottle.

Hit the trails at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve on April 18, 2026 with 50 mile, 50K and half marathon distances. Looped single and double track, big climbs and stocked aid stations create a scenic, serious trail challenge.

Childish Nonsense is a playful trail race each late April at Deer Grove Forest Preserve West in Palatine, Illinois. Distances from 10K to 50 mile cover rolling crushed gravel loops with a friendly community vibe and plenty of shenanigans.

Run the Great Western Half Marathon and 10K on a flat out and back limestone path along the historic Great Western Trail. Hosted by Fox River Trail Runners, this longtime race supports local mental health charities.

Run scenic horse and forest trails at Teason's Woods on May 9, 2026 with a 26.2 mile marathon or a 10 mile option. Finishers get a wooden medal and can refuel with hot chili and beer.

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.

Run the Red Cedar Trail at Giant City State Park on May 30, 2026 with a 5k, half marathon and rugged 40k. Single track trails, creek crossings and big climbs make for a memorable challenge and limited spots remain for the half and 40k.

Celebrate the 25th anniversary 5K for Double "J" in Joliet on June 6, 2026 as participants run the Rock Run Greenway and finish at Cemeno's. Proceeds support the Pat Clark Cancer Foundation and registration includes a T shirt and medal.

Join the 28th annual Lake Mingo Trail Run on June 13, 2026 at Kennekuk Cove County Park, a scenic 7.1 mile loop mostly on natural trails with rolling hills and nine bridges. Celebrate afterward with food, beer, and great trail camaraderie.

Run the DBC Gifts of Love Community 5K in Flossmoor on June 20 to provide book bags and school supplies for homeless children. Choose onsite or virtual, earn a medal and enjoy post race snacks while supporting a great cause.

Join the inaugural Cross Country Sundown Showdown in Carterville for a spirited 5K team contest over scenic grass, gravel and paved paths. Teams of 3 to 5 chase top honors as colorful mile markers guide a lively summer evening run.

CMAR Trail Races at Camp Wokanda near Chillicothe, Illinois offers scenic looped trail races across wooded ridges and river bluff climbs. Camping and weekend camaraderie make it a rewarding challenge and a true trail getaway for runners.

Take on a rugged 5K at Willenborg Woods in Charleston with winding trails, a one third mile river crossing and about 1,100 feet of climbing up Billy Goat Hill. Field is limited to 125 and finishers get pancakes and ice cream.

Run the Shawnee Hills Trail Races at Camp Ondessonk in the Shawnee National Forest, with distances from half marathon to 100 miles. Tackle technical single track through sandstone canyons and waterfalls and relax with on site camping.

Run the Rails in Elburn on August 22, 2026 is a community fundraiser at Prairie Park supporting the Elburn Parks Commission. Choose a 1 mile fun run, a 4 mile or 7 mile race, earn kid medals and age group awards and celebrate local parks.

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.

Run the GristMill Grind on September 5, 2026 at Franklin Creek State Natural Area, a hilly technical trail offering 5K and 10K routes through ravines, limestone bluffs, springs and creek crossings. Proceeds support park conservation.

Hit the Wild Wild Wilderness at Kickapoo State Recreation Area on September 12, 2026 with 5K or a rugged 7.45 mile trail through woods, steep climbs and creek crossings. Celebrate finishes with food, drinks and awards.