Trail Running calendar near Griffith 2026-2027

Run the Rails in Elburn, Illinois on August 22, 2026 features a 1-mile fun run plus 4- and 7-mile courses that start and finish at Prairie Park. The routes cross the Union Pacific West rail line and benefit the Elburn Parks Commission.

Trail race at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve on August 23, 2026 offering approximate 4, 9.5 and 13 mile courses. Part of the Dick Pond Athletics Darn Tough Trail Race Series with proceeds benefiting Chicago Area Mountain Bikers.

Tough Mudder Chicago at Richardson Adventure Farm on August 29 2026 offers 5K and 15K obstacle runs plus an 8 hour Infinity format, a Mudder Village with food and music, and finisher medals shirts and drinks.

A 10 hour endurance run at Bluhm County Park on August 29, 2026, using a 4 to 4.1 mile loop completed on an hourly clock. Runners earn chips after four loops to trade for prizes and receive a limited edition shirt and wooden medal.

A USATF-certified half marathon and 10K through Danada Forest Preserve on crushed limestone trails, finishing near the horse track. Both distances award finisher medals, with chip timing, pacers, shuttle parking, and on-course water station..

Timed urban ultrarunning on repeated short paved laps in a Chicago park, offered in 6 and 12 hour formats with 2 and 4 person relay teams. Hourly playful challenges complement a single aid station at the start/finish.

An obstacle course race at Indiana Dunes National Park on September 13, 2026, featuring 10k, 5K and a K9 3.1-mile event. The course uses varied landscapes to reflect terrains associated with military service.

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..

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.

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.

Timed 12- and 6-hour races on a scenic 2 mile loop along Evanston's lakefront and the Northwestern campus. The event includes two aid stations, public water fountains, and handmade finisher awards.

A mixed-surface trail event at Tryon Farm in Michigan City featuring a 4 mile loop used for 4 mile, 8 mile, 25k and 50k distances plus a 2 mile fun run or walk, with a main station, a non-manned aid point, and parking across the street.

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.

A community 5K in Flossmoor with a parallel virtual 5K that raises funds and collects goods to support local families experiencing hidden homelessness and provide school supplies for homeless children.

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..

Experience a natural trail run at Saw Wee Kee Park featuring a soft path with twists and turns. Complete this event to earn a piece of the 2026 series medal and enjoy seasonal swag in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Timed trail races at St. Patrick's County Park near South Bend on October 17, 2026. Options include 24 hour, 12 hour and 6 hour races on mostly dirt and grass trails with short asphalt crossings.

Soul Crusher is a trail race in Crystal Lake, IL offering 10 mile and 5 mile options on single track forest trails with looped sections and occasional extra mileage. Packet pickup is available the day before and a 3 hour 30 minute cutoff ap..

A Halloween-themed trail event in Pingree Grove, IL on October 23, 2026 with multiple 5 km heats, haunted sets and animatronics, plus a costume contest, bonfire and food; spectator fee $10, free parking.

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.