Trail Running calendar near Griffith 2026-2027

Frozen Gnome on Jan 10, 2026 in Crystal Lake, Illinois is a winter trail challenge through Veteran Acres and Sterne’s Woods with 10K, a Triple Black Diamond 50K and team relays. Expect hot aid, a tech shirt and finisher medal.

Join the 50K MASHUP SLAM series in Crystal Lake and across the Midwest for trail ultras including 50K, a 53K and a 9 hour timed event. Earn a finisher buckle and series awards; register by Jan 1 2026.

Run a winter trail 5K at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia on Jan 24, the first of three races in the Fox Valley Winter Challenge. Trails may be snowy or muddy; finishers get snacks, a medal and a cozy winter hat.

Run the Frozen Tundra IPA 5K along the Des Plaines River Trail, then warm up at Half Day Brewing with music, beer, hot toddies and food. Limited to 300 runners, entries include shirts, medals and a lively post race party.

Tackle the Cereal Killer 15k at Red Mill County Park in La Porte Indiana for a fun four loop trail challenge and cereal themed finish. Grab themed snacks, coffee, and swag while chasing awards.

Yeti Trail Half at Bluhm County Park in Westville, IN offers a rugged half on four rooty single track loops for trail lovers. Participants get a limited edition long sleeve shirt and winter hat and gloves while supplies last.

Run the Fox Valley Winter Challenge 8K on Feb 21 at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, a mixed terrain winter trail with possible snow, ice, or mud. All finishers get a medal and completing the series earns bonus gear including a hooded zi..

Hit the wooded trails at Sunset Hill County Park for the Foot Pursuit 5K, a scenic 3.1 mile run or walk across rolling hills. Enjoy friendly competition, age group awards, and postrace camaraderie in Valparaiso.

Tombstone offers 30k, 50k and 50 mile on March 14, 2026 at Sunset Hill Farm in Valparaiso on a new mixed surface course. Expect the Roller Coaster hills, aid stations, and finisher swag like shirts, winter hats, medals and belt buckles.

Get muddy on wooded single and double track through the historic Lemont Quarries at Muddy Shamrock at The Forge with a half marathon or quarter marathon. Expect rugged terrain, chip timing, awards, a tee and a lively post race party.

False Spring Trail Runs in LaPorte, IN on March 21 invites runners to tackle a scenic but demanding 10K or Half on winding single track trails with lake views. Inclusive entries and finisher awards add to the friendly trail vibe.

Wrap up winter on scenic mixed trails at the Fox Valley Winter Challenge 10K in St. Charles on March 22, 2026. Expect varied footing, a finisher medal and cozy winter hat, plus bundle pricing if you tackled other series races.

Tackle a scenic 4 mile loop through rolling limestone and wooded trails at St James Farm in Warrenville, IL, with roots, mud and natural single loop terrain. Enjoy a long sleeve race shirt, wood finisher medallion and lively race day atmosp..

Push your pace or enjoy the trail at Save the Drama for your Llama, a six hour looped trail run at Luhr County Park. Complete as many 1.7 mile laps as you can; overall winners cover the greatest distance in six hours.

Celebrate Earth Day at Crystal Lake with 50K, 15 Mile and 5 Mile trail options on a rolling 5 mile loop around the pond. Enjoy single track, a main aid station with homemade fuel and an eco friendly vibe.

Childish Nonsense is an April trail race at Deer Grove Forest Preserve with looped distances from 10K to 50 mile. Expect playful shenanigans, regular aid at the start area, and free entries for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ runners.

Join Run Happy at Potato Creek State Park on May 2, 2026 for trail friendly distances from 10K up to 50K, welcoming walkers, runners and families on clearly marked loops. All races are chip timed for a fun, supported day on broken in trails..

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.

Take on scenic trails through Teason's Woods at Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve with marathon and 10 mile options on wide horse paths. Enjoy rolling hills, well stocked aid stations, limited parking and a unique wooden finisher medal.

Experience the Jennie Hamilton Memorial 5 mile trail run at Stoney Run County Park in Hebron, Indiana on May 25, 2026. Expect scenic but rugged trails with a pond crossing option, midcourse aid, and a finisher water bottle.