Illinois
Illinois Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Illinois for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 95 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Illinois below and join the trail community at these great events!
November 2026
FOLEPI River Trail Classic in East Peoria offers a competitive 4-mile run and a 2-mile walk with shirt or no shirt entry options.
A public cross country race in Evanston with three all-grass loops, team and individual scoring, included long-sleeve race shirt, and a post-race awards cookout; entry fees vary by registration date.
December 2026
Experience a cross country style trail race through the Timber Pointe Nature Center at Lake Bloomington. Choose between 4K and 8K loops or a three hour endurance challenge while supporting local nature conservation.
The Yeti Winter Trail Series is a four month challenge in Dixon featuring monthly races that progress from 5k to 20k across diverse winter terrain.
A 7.8 mile trail run through Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton, IL on 12/12/2026 with packet pickup, pre race coffee and post race awards held in the park lodge. The event is planned to run in most weather conditions.
A 4.5 mile trail race at Schiller Woods West with crushed limestone and single/double track, on-site packet pick-up, finish-line chili and post-race raffle.
A self-guided 50 km urban run in Peoria on December 13, 2026, with GPX and written route on an unsupported course; registration closes Dec 10.
January 2027
Winter trail races in Crystal Lake IL with a 10K loop repeated for a 50K, plus 2 and 5 person relay options and on-course aid at Veteran Acres.
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
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
Early-season trail races at The Forge in Lemont, Illinois, on wooded single and double track trails with mud, roots and gravel. Distances offered are 13.1 miles and 6.5 miles with technical singletrack sections.
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.
Test your endurance at Lowell Park with a series of timed trail challenges featuring an alternating loop course and manual lap tracking through the Illinois woods.
March 27, 2027 trail event at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offering 30 mile and 10 mile loop courses with stocked aid stations and a mandatory volunteer requirement.
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.
April 2027
Multi-day trail event in Pekin IL with looped single track courses from 10 mile to 200 mile, aid stations, camping, and chip timing.
Trail races in Crystal Lake, IL on a 5 mile loop offering 50K, 15 mile and 5 mile distances with an aid station and age group awards.
Multi-lap trail event at Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine with 5.5 mile laps, one aid station, and inclusive entry options.
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.