Trail Running Calendar Illinois 2026-2027

A trail event at Deer Grove Forest Preserve offering 50K, 25K and a 5 mile option on mostly single track loops, with stocked aid stations, marked maps and an emphasis on whimsy and inclusion.

A 5K run and walk through the forested trails of Washington Park in Springfield supporting restoration of the Leland Farm Summer Kitchen. The event offers a virtual 3.11 mile option, commemorative shirts, and age group prizes.

Howl-o-ween 5k at Busse Woods is a themed run and walk supporting animal shelters; the chip timed 5k welcomes dogs without separate registration and includes a shirt and finisher medal.

A trail event at Robert Allerton Park in Monticello on October 25, 2026 offering a 5.7 mile trail run, a 2 mile nature walk, and a virtual 5.7 mile option. The 5.7 mile course follows the Sangamon River and features natural trail obstacles.

A community road-and-trail event at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana supporting Grand Prairie Friends, offering 5K and 10K runs, a 5K walk, plus virtual options, medals, and t-shirts.

A trail running event at Camp Big Timber in Elgin, IL on November 8, 2026 offering 3 mile and 5 mile courses plus a Kids Fun Run. The course includes grass, gravel and a creek crossing and supports local youth organizations.

Late November trail festival in Lemont IL offering 10K, 20K, 30K and 60K on single and double track and gravel around historic quarries and the I&M Canal. Courses start and finish at The Forge and use lap formats.

A certified multi-distance ultrarun on the Tunnel Hill State Trail in Vienna IL featuring 100 mile, 100 km, marathon, and the USATF 50 mile National Championship on a fast crushed limestone route.

Trail races at Mcnaughton Park in Pekin, IL on November 14, 2026, offering 3.5, 10, 30 and 50 mile options with a 13 hour cutoff. The 10 mile loop is run in reverse and features two creek crossings and about 1300 feet of gain per loop.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a 2 mile run through the wooded trails of Sheffield Illinois. Wear your best holiday costume for a chance to win prizes at this untimed community event.

A community Turkey Trot through Atwood Park near 5k with chipped timing, common trail obstacles and door prizes. No GPS or timing devices are allowed and donations are collected for local causes.

Experience a cross country style trail race through the Timber Pointe Nature Center at Lake Bloomington. Choose between 4K and 8K loops or a three hour endurance challenge while supporting local nature conservation.

A four race winter trail series in Dixon, Illinois covering 31 miles from December to March. Races include 5K, 10K, 15K and 20K with series awards and participation merchandise.

A 7.8 mile trail run through Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton, IL on 12/12/2026 with packet pickup, pre race coffee and post race awards held in the park lodge. The event is planned to run in most weather conditions.

Trail races at The Forge take runners through wooded single and double track trails around the Lemont Quarries. The event offers a trail half and a quarter marathon with variable terrain, one aid station for the half, and chip timed results..

A looped trail event at Lowell Park offering 13.5, 22.5, and 33.75 mile timed races plus a relay, with manual lap tracking, aid station food, entry fees, and awards for top finishers.

Childish Nonsense in Deer Grove Forest Preserve, Palatine IL on April 24, 2027 features looped trail races from 5.5 miles to 50 miles. One aid station at the start/finish is available every 5.5 miles and pacers are allowed for 50 milers aft..