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!
November 2026
A community Turkey Trot through Atwood Park near 5k with chipped timing, common trail obstacles and door prizes. No GPS or timing devices are allowed and donations are collected for local causes.
A Thanksgiving 5K on the Green Bay Trail at Winnetka Train Station featuring rolling start waves, a family division, packet pickup before race day, post-race refreshments, and support for local charities.
A 2.5 mile chip timed cross country Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning in Orland Park, with long sleeve race shirts, a post race raffle, and prize turkeys for top finishers.
The 36th annual FOLEPI River Trail Classic in East Peoria features a 4 Mile competitive run and a 2 Mile non competitive walk, shirt and no shirt entry options, age group awards for the run, and a post race gathering at a local pizzeria.
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.
Four monthly winter trail races in Dixon IL with 5K to 20K distances, series awards, and completion apparel.
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.
January 2027
Winter trail race in Crystal Lake with a hilly single-track 10K loop and a 50K made of five laps, staffed aid stations, finisher medals, and age-group awards.
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.
Timed trail event at Lowell Park in Dixon IL featuring multiple distances on an alternating 2.25 mile loop with manual lap tracking and an aid station.
Trail races at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area with a three-loop 30-mile option and a 10-mile course, two aid stations per loop, no chip timing, and a volunteer requirement.
April 2027
Trail races in Crystal Lake, Illinois on a 5.2 mile loop offering 50k, 15 mile and 5 mile options through single track, prairie and pine forest.
Trail ultraraces at Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine IL featuring 5.5 mile laps, central aid station, inclusion policies and a playful race atmosphere.
May 2027
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.
Flat out and back half marathon and 10K on the limestone Great Western Trail with a 25 plus year history and proceeds supporting local mental health charities.
Trail marathon and 10 mile on the Sag Valley Trail at Cap Sauers Nature Preserve in Palos Hills, IL, with wide horsetrail, notable elevation gain, and staffed aid stations along the routes.