Earth Day 50k

Crystal Lake, United States • 18 Apr 2026

Earth Day Trail Race : Crystal Lake, IL

The event is scheduled for April 18, 2026, at Veterans Acres in Crystal Lake, Illinois. The race offers the following distances:

  • 50K
  • 15 Mile
  • 5 Mile

The venue address is 431 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

Course, logistics and rules

The course is a 5-mile loop composed of single-track trails and rolling hills. All races start together in the ball field and route around the pond to allow runners to spread out before entering the single track. There is one major aid station at the start/finish area offering homemade items and typical ultra food such as cookies, PB & J, sports drink, soda, chips, and pretzels. The event is working toward being landfill free and requests that participants bring their own water bottle. Participants have an 8-hour time limit to complete their distance.

Packet pickup is available Friday (5 pm to 8 pm) at the Ornery Mule Racing Trailhead/Headquarters, 824 S. Main Street, Crystal Lake, IL, and race day pickup in the pavilion near the main parking lot. First overall male and female finishers receive awards; age group awards for men and women are Under 29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+. Runners may only win awards for the distance they are registered in. Distance changes must be made by April 8. The organizer does not issue refunds; rollover and credit options are available with specific deadlines and conditions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

50 km
Earth Day 50k
15 mi
Earth Day 15 Mile
5 mi
Earth Day 5 Mile
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

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.