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!
April 2027
Multi-day trail event in Pekin IL, April 8 to April 11, 2027, with multiple ultramarathon distances on a 10 mile loop and aid stations every five miles.
A scenic 5K run/walk at Lake Katherine Nature Center on April 10, 2027 with lakeside trails, wildlife viewing, and proceeds supporting conservation and education.
Trail races in Crystal Lake, Illinois using a 5.2 mile loop for 50k, 15 mile and 5 mile distances through woods, prairie and pine forest.
Trail races on April 17, 2027 at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve near Illinois City, IL offering 50 mile, 50K and half marathon on a mostly trail 13.3 mile loop.
In-person and virtual events at Donovan Park offering a timed 5K, 5K walk, 1-mile walk, and kids run to raise funds for the Pediatric Resource Center.
A community 5K and 10K River Trail Run in Galena on April 17, 2027 raising funds for Kiwanis grants supporting local children.
Multi-distance trail event at Deer Grove Forest Preserve near Palatine, IL featuring 50 Miler, 50K, 25K and 5.5 Miler on mostly wide, non-technical trails.
May 2027
Nighttime obstacle race in Pingree Grove, IL with multiple 5K heats and a 30K unlimited laps option, illuminated obstacles, live entertainment, and onsite parking.
Trail races at Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City, Illinois with 5K and 10K loop courses on maintenance trails and single track. Day park admission is included and the event features awards, post race snacks, and volunteer opportunities.
A flat out and back half marathon and 10K on the limestone Great Western Trail organized by Fox River Trail Runners with proceeds for local mental health charities.
Trail marathon and 10 mile on Sag Valley Trail through Cap Sauers Nature Preserve with wide horse trail, multiple aid stations, and notable elevation.
Timed 7 hour and 11 hour trail endurance runs on 4 mile loops at Wolf Road Woods in Willow Springs, IL, with on-course aid and chip timing.
A 20-mile single-loop hike through Jim Edgar Panther Creek with aid stations, a finisher medal, and about 850 ft of elevation gain on mixed trails.
Timed 8 hour and 4 hour loop trail races at Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, IL, with mileage-based awards, finisher medal, and a post-race party.
Chip-timed 10K at The Forge Lemont Quarries on May 16, 2027, on mostly crushed limestone trails with quarry views and overall plus age-group awards.
An obstacle course event at Byron Motosports Park on May 22, 2027 offering 10K and 5K waves, Special Forces, Ruck division and a kids course, produced by a nonprofit honoring service members.
An 8K trail race and pond side kids fun run at Lincoln Memorial Garden in Springfield on May 22, 2027, featuring varied trail surfaces, participant shirts, and age group awards.
Trail races at Giant City State Park on May 22, 2027 featuring 5K, half marathon, marathon and a new 50 mile race with marked single track and aid stations.
June 2027
Backyard Ultra in Charleston IL on June 5 2027 with an hourly 4.167 mile loop, last runner standing earns a Bronze Ticket at Willenborg Woods.
McHenry County Patriot Run on June 6, 2027 features a patriotic community gathering with a 5K, 10K and 1 Mile fun run at Three Oaks Recreation Center.