Moraine Hills Run for the Hills

Moraine Hills Run for the Hills : Moraine Hills State Park

Moraine Hills Run for the Hills is an annual running and walking event held at Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry, Illinois. The 2026 event includes in-person competition on September 26 and a virtual option from September 1 through September 27.

Distances

• 5K Run/Walk on the Leatherleaf Bog Trail; asphalt and crushed limestone surfaces.
• 10K Run/Walk on the Lake Defiance and Leatherleaf Bog Trails with views of lake and marsh.
• Half Marathon Run/Walk follows the 10K route for the first six miles then continues with a McHenry Dam loop and an out and back on the River Road bike trail.

All courses lie entirely within the state park and are primarily crushed limestone with intermittent asphalt. Trails are closed to motorized vehicles. Course marshals and arrows will mark key intersections. Place medals are awarded to the top three finishers in each category; participation medals are available for an additional fee until August 28.

Packet pick up is available at The Running Depot in Crystal Lake on September 24 and 25, and race day pick up is offered at the park. Water and Gatorade are provided at stations about every two miles; snacks are not provided at stations, though bananas and water are available at the finish. Restroom availability varies by distance. Strollers are permitted. The event is organized by volunteers from Friends of Moraine Hills State Park and proceeds support scholarships, educational programs, and park improvements. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.