Illinois
Illinois Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Illinois for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 106 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Illinois below and join the trail community at these great events!
August 2026
Loop based trail event at Half Day Forest Preserve where runners repeat a 3.1 mile loop, stop after any loop with no penalty, and receive official timing for each completed loop for combined results.
Experience an all terrain trail race through the scenic Big Horse Vineyards featuring natural obstacles and mud. Choose between a competitive 5K or a social beer mile followed by wine tasting in Central Illinois.
A 6 km cross-country race at Lovelace Park in Evanston with scholastic races, team and individual entries, race shirts, awards, and a post-race gathering with food.
September 2026
Test your limits at Decker Farm with a grueling combination of military boot camp and farm chores. Choose between 4, 12, or 36 hour endurance challenges featuring heavy carries and undisclosed physical tasks.
Trail 5K and 10K at Franklin Creek State Natural Area featuring creek crossings, hilly technical terrain, and proceeds benefitting the Franklin Creek Conservation Association.
USATF certified half marathon and 10K on crushed limestone trails at Danada Forest Preserve with chip timing, pacers, shuttle parking and finisher medals.
A 5K trail loop at Rolling Meadows Farm on September 5, 2026, running along the Sangamon River and near the historic Sangamo Town site. Registration runs from June 9 to August 23, with a $35 fee.
A community run at Woodland Middle School in Gurnee on September 11, 2026, offering a 5K, 1 Mile, and a shirt only option. Proceeds support the Woodland PTA and confidential financial assistance for fees is available.
A three day trail event at Rock Cut State Park featuring a night 10 km plus 25 km and 50 km races, with single race entries and Triple Crown series options that award commemorative spike prizes to finishers.
A timed urban ultra at Horner Park offering 3, 6, and 12 hour options on a short paved loop. Hourly playful challenges, a single aid station, and two- or four-person relay options add variety.
A last person standing loop race at Ferne Clyffe State Park with 4.167 mile loops and about 600 feet of climbing per loop. Night laps require a headlamp and reflective vest and registration is capped at 75.
Experience the 46th annual trail run through Kickapoo State Recreation Area featuring a scenic pond loop and a longer 95 percent trail course with creek crossings and steep hills.
Experience fast rolling terrain at the Sand Creek Trail Run in Decatur. Choose between 4.4 and 7.6 mile distances to support the Special Operations Warrior Foundation through the scenic Macon County Conservation District.
A looped trail event at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve offering a one mile loop, two course options with notable elevation, a four hour time limit, and proceeds to the preserve.
A community fundraiser in Geneva with a 2.5 mile Lightning Run, a 1 mile kids race, and a Mini Road Race Rally for ages 3 to 8. Proceeds support the Geneva Park District Scholarship Fund.
A one day trail running festival in Beecher, IL offering natural-terrain distances from 3 to 31 miles, cupless aid stations, finisher shirts and medals, a ruck category with weight rules, and awards including a DFL prize for the 50K.
Trail races on the Touch of Nature trails in Makanda offering 5K and 10K options, age divisions for Male, Female and Non-Binary categories, event maps and medals for all finishers.
A Backyard Ultra on the Rock River Parkway where runners repeat a GPS-verified 4.167-mile loop each hour until one remains. Entry is limited to 150 runners and includes an on-site aid station and crew zone.
A multi-distance obstacle course event on rugged terrain near Marseilles Illinois featuring 5K and 10K options, a kid's loop, ruck categories with recommended weights, and a multi-lap Bearded Challenge. Finisher shirt, medal, and action photos includ..
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.