Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2026-2027

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 multi-division obstacle course event at The Cliffs park featuring 5K and 10K courses, a ruck division, a multi-lap Bearded Challenge, and a kid's course. Finishers receive a shirt, medal and professional action photos.

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 two mile obstacle course at Richland Community College on September 19, 2026 that raises funds for the Student Veterans' Resource Center. The event features 20 to 25 obstacles, awards for top finishers, and volunteer and gift regist..

A dog friendly 2K and 5K fun run and walk at Case Creek Valley supporting Rock Island County Animal Shelter, with participant swag, dog treats, and specific leash and vaccination rules.

A coffee-themed, untimed 2K and 5K run at Case Creek Trails near Coal Valley, IL, with aid stations, post-run hot drinks and treats, optional swag, and proceeds supporting The Rock Island County Animal Care & Control Shelter through QC PAWS..

This trail run/walk in Greenville's Patriot's Park is a 5K event supporting childhood cancer research. It takes place on scenic trails and is inspired by a personal story of courage.

A grassroots loop ultra at Dixon Park District offering 25K, 50K, 100K and 100 mile options on a 7.85 mile mixed surface loop with two aid locations, crew and pacer policies, and finisher awards.

The Bloomingdale Trail 5K is an annual family-friendly running event in Chicago. It features a timed 5K race alongside shorter dashes for young runners. Registration is available for all three distances.

A timed 6- or 12-hour event on a 2 mile lakefront loop in Evanston with two aid stations, finishers' Hop Water and handcrafted awards, and permitted pacers.

A point-to-point all-trail ultramarathon along the Hennepin Canal State Trail between Sterling and Colona, Illinois. Multiple distances include 100 mile, 50 mile, 50K and a 100 mile team relay; aid stations are every three to seven miles.

Run or walk through the scenic Timber Pointe Outdoor Center in Hudson. Choose from 8K and 5K races or an untimed 1 mile trail walk to support Easterseals Central Illinois.

Experience a chip timed 5k trail run through the diverse terrain and scenic landscapes of Oakdale Nature Preserve. All proceeds support local park projects and trail maintenance.

A community 5k run and walk hosted by the Lockport Fire Foundation on October 4, 2026 at Hassert Park in Lockport, IL. Entry includes a t-shirt and finisher medal for registered participants present on race day.

Timed endurance races run Oct 10–11, 2026 at Arrowhead Lake Campground in Johnston City, IL, on a certified 2.07 mile loop. The event offers camping, a staffed aid station, timed results and awards for finishers.

Join this community run and walk at Vollmer Road Grove Forest Preserve to support homeless school children. Participate in person on the paved 5K trail or join virtually to help provide essential school supplies for families in need.

Multiple endurance trail distances on a flat, crushed gravel section of the Des Plaines River Trail, starting and finishing at Half Day Forest Preserve in Lake County, Illinois. The marathon is a Boston Qualifier and the event runs each Oct..