Trail Running calendar near Eldridge 2026-2027

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 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 grassroots looped ultra in Dixon, IL, offering distances from about 8 miles to 100 miles on mixed singletrack, meadow, and gravel. Two aid stations, crew access, and pacers are allowed; medals and a buckle are awarded for finishers.

Trail race at Swiss Valley Nature Preserve near Peosta, Iowa, run on a 5.2 mile loop with significant elevation gain; distances include 5.2 miles, 25K, and 50K. Camping, free showers, and shuttle service are provided.

A point to point all-trail ultramarathon along the Hennepin Canal State Trail in northwest Illinois offering 100 mile, 50 mile, 50K and a 100 mile team relay with stocked aid stations and a 30 hour cutoff.

Autumn Leaf Run is a 5K trail event at Oakdale Nature Preserve in Freeport on 10/03/2026. The looped course crosses prairies, creek and wooded trails and raises funds for park improvements through the Freeport Parks Foundation.

A coffee themed 2K and 5K fun run and walk at Case Creek Trails on October 4, 2026. The untimed event features aid stations, post race hot drinks and treats, optional swag, and fundraising for QC PAWS.

A charity running event in Solon, Iowa featuring a timed 5K and a Monster Mile, with all proceeds to the Arthritis Foundation to support pediatric rheumatic disease awareness.

A roughly 20-mile loop trail ultrarun in Dubuque, IA used for both a five-loop 100-mile and three-loop 100k, featuring mixed terrain, significant elevation per loop, and river and bluff views.

Trail races at Geode State Park in Danville, IA feature 5K, 12K and 25K options on varied terrain with notable elevation gain. All finishers receive a geode and first place awards include handmade plaques and top dog prizes.

Trail endurance runs in the Mines of Spain near Dubuque, IA offering 25K and 50K out-and-back courses with approximately 2200 and 4400 feet of elevation gain. Single-track, stone steps, stream crossings, and three aid stations.

A Backyard Ultra in Colona, Illinois on Nov 7, 2026, consisting of repeated 4.17 miles loops on a mostly flat course with one hill out of a ravine. Parking and camping space are available.

A backyard ultra in Delmar, IA where runners complete a 4.16 mile loop each hour until only one person remains. Participants receive a 10 by 10 foot camp space, may bring up to three crew members, and get a custom hockey sweater.

A six hour trail endurance run at Pinicon Ridge Park near Central City, IA featuring a 1.2 mile loop with steep climbs and stairs. Aid station food, a long sleeve race shirt, heated lodge space, and awards for high loop counts are provided.

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.

Four winter trail races in Dixon, IL totaling 31 miles, with distances from 5K to 20K on varied terrain. Series prizes include overall standings and age category awards, and registration fees are nonrefundable.

A lap-based trail race at Lowell Park, Dixon IL offering 13.5, 22.5, and 33.75 mile options plus a relay. The course uses an alternating 2.25 mile loop, features a staffed aid station, timed cutoffs, awards, and event apparel for finishers..

Trail races at Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City, Illinois with 5K and 10K loop courses on maintenance trails and single track. Day park admission is included and the event features awards, post race snacks, and volunteer opportunities.