Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2026-2027

Two USATF certified distances on crushed limestone trails through Danada Forest Preserve in Naperville, IL, with chip timing, finisher medals, shuttle parking, and a virtual option.

A three day trail event at Rock Cut State Park featuring a night 10 km plus 25 km and 50 km races, with single race entries and Triple Crown series options that award commemorative spike prizes to finishers.

A timed urban ultra at Horner Park offering 3, 6, and 12 hour options on a short paved loop. Hourly playful challenges, a single aid station, and two- or four-person relay options add variety.

A last person standing loop race at Ferne Clyffe State Park with 4.167 mile loops and about 600 feet of climbing per loop. Night laps require a headlamp and reflective vest and registration is capped at 75.

Experience the 46th annual trail run through Kickapoo State Recreation Area featuring a scenic pond loop and a longer 95 percent trail course with creek crossings and steep hills.

Experience fast rolling terrain at the Sand Creek Trail Run in Decatur. Choose between 4.4 and 7.6 mile distances to support the Special Operations Warrior Foundation through the scenic Macon County Conservation District.

A four hour looped trail event at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve featuring a one mile loop with steep gradients and off trail sections. Prizes go to the runners with the most loops and proceeds support the preserve.

Cornell Days 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk is a family friendly event at Clinton Keith Mills Memorial Park with an out and back county road course and a postrace breakfast cookout.

Midwest OCR in Marseilles, Illinois features 5K and 10K obstacle courses, ruck options, a kid's loop, and a multi-lap Bearded Challenge, with finisher shirts, medals, and professional photos included; elite divisions award podiums and cash..

Experience ten miles of hills and winding trails through the Byron Forest Preserve and Nardi Equine Prairie. This cup free race features cash prizes and a post race celebration with pizza at Hairy Cow Brewing Company.

A loop-based running event at Limestone Park offering 8 hour and 4 hour races on a 1.65 mile course with mixed crushed limestone and asphalt terrain. Scoring is by completed loops and proceeds support local organizations.

A timed, mostly flat 2 mile obstacle course at Richland Community College on September 19, 2026, raising funds for the Student Veterans' Resource Center with 20 to 25 obstacles and finisher rewards.

A non-timed 2K and 5K trail run/walk at Case Creek Valley that welcomes leashed dogs and supports Rock Island County Animal Care & Control Shelter, with race bibs, optional T-shirts, finisher dog tags, and hydration stations.

A 5K trail run or walk at Patriot's Park in Greenville on 09/26/2026 focused on community support for children and families affected by childhood cancer, with registration open 03/02/2026 and a $35 fee.

A grassroots trail event in Dixon, IL on a roughly 7.85 mile loop offering distances from about 8 miles up to a 100 Miler, featuring singletrack, meadow and gravel sections, two aid locations, crew access and pacer allowances.

A multi-distance running and walking event at Moraine Hills State Park offering 5K, 10K and half marathon options in person and virtually during September 2026, with courses on crushed limestone trails and support stations along the routes.

Experience the Bloomingdale Trail Run in Chicago featuring a timed 5K and short dashes for youth. This annual event offers a variety of distances on an urban trail for a family friendly day of running.

A timed 6 hour and 12 hour event on a 2 mile lakefront loop in Evanston that passes Northwestern University's campus. The race includes two aid stations, public fountains, handmade finisher awards, and a non alcoholic Hop Water for finisher..

A 30 minute run or walk up Mt. Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve on September 26, 2026. Entry fees support Bridge Communities to house a family for two years while they work toward self sufficiency.

A 3.62 mile cross-country race in Lovelace Park, Evanston, presented as a 6k course with a published course map and tiered entry fees for adults and youth.