Upcoming Running Races in Illinois

Endurance Grid lists 496 running races in Illinois, from September 2026 to October 2027 across 243 cities.

496
Races
243
Cities

Running Races in Illinois

The running race calendar in Illinois is busiest in October, September, and November, with races most often in Chicago, Springfield, Elk Grove Village, and Belleville.

What running races are

Organized running races are one of the most accessible entry points into endurance sports. There’s a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line. Distances run from 1-mile fun runs and 5Ks up through the 10K, half marathon, and marathon.

Most races are timed and chip-scored, with a mass or wave start and aid stations along the course. Big-city races keep the noise going the whole way; smaller races give you long stretches where it’s just you and the miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many running races are in Illinois?
Endurance Grid's Race Calendar lists 496 upcoming running races in Illinois across 243 cities, from September 2026 to October 2027.
What running distances are offered in Illinois?
Running races in Illinois include 1 Mile, 10 Mile, 10K, 15K, 1K, 2 Mile / 3K, 25–50 mi, 4 Mile, and more distances.
When is running season in Illinois?
Running season in Illinois runs spring through fall. Of the upcoming running races on Endurance Grid's Race Calendar, the most are in October and September.
Which Illinois cities have running races?
Running races in Illinois are held in Chicago, Springfield, Lake Zurich, Elk Grove Village, Belleville, Urbana, Wheaton, Greater Chicago, Rockford, and Aurora, plus 233 other cities.

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