Illinois
Illinois Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Illinois for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 90 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Illinois below and join the trail community at these great events!
December 2026
A 4.5 miles trail race at Schiller Woods West Forest Preserve on December 12, 2026 featuring crushed limestone single and double track, post race chili and brews.
Localz 50K is a free, self navigated urban 50 km in Peoria with a shorter 18 mile option; GPX provided and the event is unsupported with limited on-course support.
January 2027
A 7.45 miles mostly trail race at Kickapoo State Recreation Area featuring steep hills, creek crossings, no aid stations, and on site race day registration.
Winter trail race in Crystal Lake, IL featuring a hilly single-track 10K loop and a 50K made of five laps, with aid stations, finisher medals, and age-group awards.
Winter trail racing at Independence Park in Marquette Heights with 2 hour and 8 hour trail events; registration runs Oct 22 2026 to Jan 13 2027.
A winter trail series at Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia featuring 5K, 8K, and 10K races on separate dates in early 2027, with combined registration and a series swag reward program.
February 2027
A winter trail 5K in Charleston, IL with technical singletrack, over 900 ft of elevation gain, steep named climbs, full course marking and a post-race celebration.
Trail races at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, Illinois, the series includes 5K, 8K, and 10K events in early 2027 with a single registration and series swag rewards; the 8K fee is $65.00.
March 2027
Trail races at Sand Ridge State Forest in Manito IL on March 6, 2027 offering marathon, half marathon and 10K over sandy pine trails with event hoodies and shirts.
Trail races at The Forge in Lemont with wooded single and double track trails, mud, roots, and gravel loops.
Mudhen 5k Trail Run at Big Marsh Park in Chicago on March 13, 2027, is a 5K trail run with a course map; registration is listed as $0.00.
A 10K trail race at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles, IL with a $70 entry fee. The race is part of a winter series that also includes a 5K and 8K and uses a single registration page.
Looped trail races at Lowell Park in Dixon IL on March 27 2027 with timed 33.75, 22.5, and 13.5 mile options plus an 806 relay.
Trail races at Clinton Lake in DeWitt featuring a three loop 30 mile and a 10 mile course with aid stations, a mandatory volunteer requirement, and no pacers.
Timed endurance events of 3, 6 and 9 hours on a 1.5 mile loop at Schon Park in Glen Carbon IL with aid station, basecamp crew area and post race awards.