Des Plaines River Trail Races

Lake County, United States • 11 Oct 2025

Des Plaines River Trail Races is an endurance trail event held in Lake County, Illinois, starting and finishing at Half Day Forest Preserve. The program features a Half Marathon, Marathon (Boston Qualifier), 50K, and 50 Mile ultra. Runners traverse a 100% trail course on a fast, flat crushed gravel surface, with few road crossings thanks to bridges and viaducts. The out-and-back routes follow the Des Plaines River Trail through alternating lush forests and open wetlands, with dramatic color changes. The race is cup-less, offers ample aid stations, finisher medals, and post-race meals, and may use an alternate course if flooding occurs. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

50 mi
50 Mile
50 km
50k
42 km
Marathon
21 km
1/2 Marathon
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Timely Nonsense is an urban ultramarathon held at a 58-acre park in Chicago, at the intersection of California and Montrose. The course features a 0.75-mile paved loop that runners complete for the 6-hour or 12-hour timed events. An aid station at the Start/Finish provides typical ultrarunning fare,..

Half Day at the Lake is a unique ultra-running event held in Evanston, Illinois, featuring 6- and 12-hour race options. The race takes place on a scenic 2-mile loop along Chicago’s north shore lakefront path, passing through Evanston’s lakefront and Northwestern University’s campus. The course is a..

Bloomingdale Trail 5K is an annual, family-friendly running event in Chicago, Illinois. The day features a timed 5K race along with ¼- and ½-mile dashes for young runners. The event location is 1834 N Lawndale Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, and the site describes a welcoming atmosphere for runners of all a..

Howl-o-ween 5k – Schaumburg takes place in Rolling Meadows, IL at Busse Woods. This pet-friendly 5k run/walk follows a scenic, paved, flat out-and-back Busse Woods Trail and is timed by J3 Timing with live results. The event supports animal charities, featuring Fetching Tails Foundation as a partner..

ERC John Hennelly Public Cross Country Races are held at Lovelace Park in Evanston, IL. The event features a three-lap, 3.5-mile cross-country course that weaves hills, open fields and varied terrain, offering a challenging run for individuals and teams. Races are open to runners forming teams of th..

Bristol Woods Trail Run takes place in Bristol, Wisconsin at Bristol Woods County Park, hosted at the Pringle Nature Center (9800 160th Ave). The event offers a 5K Trail Run and a 2 Mile Walk, plus junior versions for participants 18 and under. The course runs along the park’s trails, described as a..