Which Illinois cities have the most races?
Chicago (52), Springfield (11), Wheaton (7), Belleville (6) have the most upcoming races in Illinois. If you are willing to travel an hour or two, those give you the widest choice of dates and distances.
Illinois · Race calendar
2026-2027 Running Races in Illinois
Every upcoming running race in Illinois, all 344 of them. 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and marathons with dates, pricing, finish-time stats from past results, and start-line maps.
344 upcoming races · 132 with finish-time stats
By the numbers
The Biggest and Longest-Running
The Illinois races that stand out on the numbers: the biggest field, and the longest unbroken run of editions.
Races by City in Illinois
Holiday Races in Illinois
Illinois Races by Month
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
January 2027
May 2027
June 2027
August 2027
September 2027
Soonest Races in Illinois
344 total Sat, Aug 29, 2026Solidarity Sidekick Down Route 66- Stop 1: Chicago 6.6K Chicago, ILFrom $50Details Sun, Aug 30, 2026Solidarity Sidekick down Route 66 - Stop 2- McCook 6.6K Lyons, ILFrom $30Details Mon, Aug 31, 2026Solidarity Sidekick down Route 66 - Stop 3- Joliet 6.6K Joliet, ILFrom $30Details Tue, Sep 1, 2026Solidarity Sidekick down Route 66 6.6K Wilmington, ILFrom $30Details Wed, Sep 2, 2026Solidarity Sidekick down Route 66 - Stop 5- Gardner 6.6K Gardner, ILFrom $30Details Thu, Sep 3, 2026Solidarity Sidekick down Route 66 - Stop 6- Dwight 6.6K Dwight, ILFrom $30Details Fri, Sep 4, 2026Solidarity Sidekick down Route 66 - Stop 7- Pontiac 6.6K Pontiac, ILFrom $30Details Tue, Sep 15, 2026Xtra Mile Run/Walk Registration Schaumburg, ILFreeDetails Sat, Sep 26, 2026The F.I.R.M. Family 5K Fun Run Springfield, ILFrom $35Details Sun, Sep 27, 2026Healthy Kids Running Series Fall 2026 Glenview, ILFrom $45Details Sun, Sep 27, 2026Healthy Kids Running Series Fall 2026 Countryside, ILFrom $45Details Sun, Oct 11, 2026Healthy Kids Running Series Fall 2026 Jacksonville, ILFrom $50Details
How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Oct 25, 2026.
Common Questions About Racing in Illinois
What race distances can I run in Illinois?
Illinois has 5K (268), 10K (76), Half Marathon (57), Marathon (7), Ultra (4). Pick a distance to narrow the list to races you would actually enter.
When is race season in Illinois?
November is the busiest month for races in Illinois, with 106 of the 344, followed by October with 45. If you are flexible on the date, that is the quickest way to narrow things down.
Are Illinois races beginner-friendly?
Yes, for the most part. Across the 132 races in Illinois with published results, the typical median finish is around 35:35, which means half of every one of those fields came in slower than that. Recreational runners and walk-runners are the bulk of these fields, not the exception.
Are there trail races in Illinois?
Yes, 7 races around Illinois get you off the pavement: 5 are trail races, and 2 mix road and trail.