CHICAGO TRAIL RUNNING FESTIVAL 2026

Description

What Is a Trail Running Festival ?

Trail Running Festival is a one day trail running celebration bringing a few distances to some of the most iconic cities trail systems in the country - around a 5K, 10K, 25K, and 50K, all on the same course network, all on the same day.

This isn't a road race with a cone and a finish line. Every course is trail-built - natural terrain, elevation, dirt underfoot, and conditions that change by city. Some courses will occasionally touch gravel or pavement, but this is trail running at its core. Whether you're running your first trail 5K or tackling a 50K, you're out there on real trail, in a real race, surrounded by a community that showed up to do the same thing you did.

Pick your distance. Toe the line. Run or Hike it.

What You Earn:

​All participants receive an Trail Running Festival Soft T-Shirt and Finisher Medal.

50K Finishers will earn a 50K Trail Running Festival Finisher Medal.

Ruck Finishers earn a Trail Running Festival RUCK Patch

Top male and female with the fastest times of each distance win a 1st Place award.

Last place of the 50K earns the DFL "Dead Freakin' Last" award.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to run? No, and on trail, not everyone does. Trail running is as much hiking as it is running and that's part of the sport. Move however your body moves. Run the flats, hike the climbs, walk the technical sections. Every finisher earns their medal.

Are the distances exact? Every city has different terrain, so actual course distance may vary slightly by location. We'll always publish the exact course distance and elevation for each city ahead of race day.

What's the ruck weight requirement? - If you weigh more than 150 lbs = 30 lb. Ruck - If you weigh less than 150 lbs = 20 lb. Ruck - Ruck sack or vest allowed

Are there aid stations? Yes. Aid stations are stocked with water, hydration, and snacks at key points on the course. This is a cupless event, bring your own bottle or hydration system. Longer distances will have more frequent aid station coverage.

What should I bring? Trail shoes, hydration system, layers (weather dependent), fuel, and grit.

Can I set up a tent or crew station? Yes. Crew and spectator access will be available. You can bring your own setup and come ready to support your runner.

Is this for beginners? Yes. We welcome runners of all experience levels. With distances ranging from 5K to 50K, there's a challenge for everyone, from first-time trail runners to seasoned veterans.

How do I win? Cross the finish line with the fastest time in your gender and distance category.

Rules

Park in designated parking spaces only All participants who drop early/quit must let the race director know at the start/finish line Water carrying system required for all events, this us a cupless race and we don't serve cups No Littering No Cutting Course

More Information/Policies/FAQ

For Policies regarding event communication, refunds/credits, discounts, ensuring race shirts/swag, lower entry prices, and changing distance, visit our Policies Page .

For other questions, please make sure to look at our Frequently Asked Questions page before contacting us. If the answer is on that page, we may not respond. You can contact us by visiting our website.