Races Near Me: Upcoming Running Races

Journey Through Time: Washington Park Trails Unveiled Again OnSaturday October 24th starting at 8 am. Step off the beaten path and into the heart of history with the Washington Park Trails 5K journey. This uniquely crafted route offers a escape from the typical 5K in the park.  The route will guide you through the tranquil pathways of the forests in Washington Park.   The course, marked by cones, directional arrows, and safety tape, promises a seamless journey through scenic beauty and peaceful world of the forests in the park.  Your participation directly supports the restoration of the Leland Farm Summer Kitchen, a treasured piece of history that now graces our park. This event is an homage to the past, beginning and ending at this significant landmark, making every participant a steward of history. Every journeyer will receive a commemorative t-shirt, a wearable testament to their contribution. Moreover, we celebrate the spirit of competition by awarding unique prizes to top finishe

WORLD RUN DAY 2026 October 24–25, 2026 | Virtual 5K Run/Walk ONE WORLD. ONE PASSION. ONE WORLD RUN DAY! The World Is Running. Are You In? Join runners and walkers around the globe for World Run Day 2026! Since 1999, World Run Day has celebrated running, fitness, health, and community — bringing people together through a shared passion for running. Whether you're a marathoner, casual jogger, or first-time participant, this is YOUR day to celebrate! TWO GREAT COMMEMORATIVE ITEMS — ONE INCREDIBLE VALUE! Your registration includes: 1. EXCLUSIVE LONG-SLEEVE WORLD RUN DAY 2026 T-SHIRT Celebrate in style with a specially designed commemorative shirt! Shipped promptly after registration, with typical delivery in 4–7 days. Wear it proudly on World Run Day and beyond! Our Best Value in our series of virtual run events. 2. INSPIRATIONAL, FRAME-WORTHY RACE BIB A colorful commemorative bib featuring major cities from around the world, celebrating the global running community. Wear it. Save it. Frame it! YOUR 5K. YOUR COURSE. YOUR PACE. Distance: 5K (3.1 miles) When: October 24 - 25, 2026 Where: Anywhere in the world — outdoors or on a treadmill Who: Runners and walkers of all abilities Results: Upload your finishing time before noon October 27 Celebrate the joy of running, inspire healthier lifestyles, and connect with runners around the world. DON'T MISS OUT — REGISTER TODAY! RUN ANYTIME. ANYWHERE. TOGETHER. www.runday.com World Run Day — Celebrating Running Since 1999.

STRIDE Boys Character Education & Running Program Success, Teamwork, Respect, Inspiration, Determination = Excellence in character. Stride is similar to the well-known girls running program. Open to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade boys, this afterschool activity meets twice per week for 10 weeks. Each session focuses on a different topic like bullying or sportsmanship using open discussion, games and running exercises to teach real-life lessons. The boys finish their season with a 5K. 2026 Fall Season Dates: Sept 8 - Nov 16 2026 Fall Season Locations Blessed Sacrament School 748 W Laurel St, Springfield IL Eligible Students: Boys grades 3-5 Days: Mondays & Thursdays 3-4:30 pm Dates: Thursday, Sept 10 - Monday, Nov 16 BSS STRIDE 5K with Girls On The Run, Saturday Nov 14, 10 am at Lincoln Land Community College UIS/YMCA STRIDE University of Illinois Athletic Center, 2171 University Dr, Springfield Il Eligible Students: Boys grades 3-5 Days: Wednesdays 5:30- 7:00 pm Dates: Wednesday, Oct 7- Wednesday, Nov 18 UIS STRIDE 5K - UIS Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov 26 at UIS Springfield Campus 2026 Fall Season 5Ks Blessed Sacrament School STRIDE 5K Saturday, Nov 14 - 10am Girls On The Run 5K, Lincoln Land Community College UIS/YMCA STRIDE 5K Thursday, Nov 26 - 8am UIS Turkey Trot, UIS Springfield Campus

LuHi Turkey Trot 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk Join us for the first LuHi Turkey Trot! Although this is the event’s first year starting and finishing on the former Lutheran High School athletic field, the race continues the five-year tradition of the Harrison Park Turkey Trot. The LuHi Turkey Trot is a family-friendly event for runners and walkers of all ages. Proceeds will benefit the Lutheran High School Cross Country program. Race Information Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026 Time: 3:00 p.m. The event includes a chip-timed 5K and a 1-mile Fun Run/Walk. The course will take participants around the running track and onto the Sangamon Valley Trail, which runs alongside the southern portion of the athletic field. All Participants Receive An official LuHi Turkey Trot T-shirtA finisher medal for either the 5K or 1-mile Fun Run/WalkPost-race food and drinks Awards Awards will be presented to: The top overall male and female finishers in both the 5K and 1-mile eventThe top three male and female 5K finishers in each of the following age groups: 12 and under, 13–15, 16–18, 19–22, 23–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, and 80–89 Family Discount Register two or more members of the same household at the same time and use discount code FAM10 at checkout to receive 10% off your registration fees. The family discount applies to 5K registrations only. Come run, walk, and enjoy a fun November afternoon while supporting the Lutheran High School Cross Country program!

Join Gold Star Mission for our Inaugural Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony as we come together for an evening of remembrance, reflection, and community. This special event will honor the brave men and women from Illinois who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. As we illuminate the holiday tree, we will remember their lives, recognize their sacrifice, and ensure their legacies continue to shine brightly throughout the holiday season. Event Details Date: Monday, November 16, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, Springfield, Illinois We invite Gold Star families, veterans, military families, and community members to join us for this meaningful evening of remembrance. RSVP by November 10, 2026. Always Remember. Never Forget.

Deadline to be guaranteed a T-shirt is November 14th. “All registration fees and donations go directly to the UIS Cross Country and Track Program” Packet Pick-up is on Nov. 25th from 3 to 6 pm or on race day from 6 - 8 am at the Recreation and Athletic Center. Location: The Recreation and Athletic Center UIS Campus Richard Wright Dr. Springfield, IL 62703

Welcome to the 63rd annual Frostbite Festival! This year's Frostbite Festival takes place on Sunday, December 6, 2026. There are two options for these out-and-back races: a 2 mile and a 10 mile race. All race finishers will receive a medal. AMF Springfield Lanes will host this year's Frostbite Festival. We are planning on the same race course, with the same roller coaster hills we know and love, with the same start and finish line. Guaranteed shirt deadline is November 3, 2026. No extra shirts will be ordered. You must register and select a size before the shirt deadline. If you selected Shirt Only, you are not registered for the race but must pick up your shirt during packet pickup. There is no shipping option for Shirt Only. Race registration will be open until 8:45am on race day. Race day packet pick up and registration will close at 8:45am on December 6, 2026. Registration is only through RunSignUp. No cash or checks accepted. No transfers or sales between persons are permitted. IN-PERSON INSTRUCTIONS In-person race day details are still being finalized and will follow all local and state regulations and recommendations on race day. Participants will receive an email with packet pick up and race day instructions before the race. If you do not start the in-person race, you will automatically be transferred to the virtual race following the in-person event. VIRTUAL INSTRUCTIONS You will be able to participate in the Frostbite Festival on your own time and on your own course. You choose the location and if you would like to run or walk. You do not have to run the race course. If you do choose to run the race course, please use extreme caution as that area can be heavily traveled by cars moving very fast. There will not be any course support, markings, or course marshals directing traffic. Also, please obey all parking signage and do not park in the Fit Club parking lot. Submitting Your Result Beginning December 6, 2026 after the in person race you will be able to submit your time. To submit your virtual time, click on the link that will be emailed to virtual participants. By your name, click EDIT TIME. You can submit results for one week, until December 13, 2026. There are no age group awards for the virtual event; however, your finish time must be entered to verify your participation, especially for Springfield Road Runners Club members who are participating in the Abe’s 50K Throwdown. PACKET PICKUP Packet pickup will be held on Saturday afternoon before race day. More specific packet pickup instructions will be provided closer to race day. You are welcome to have a friend or family member pick up your packet for you if you can’t make it. If you are unable to pick up your packet on Saturday, there will also be race morning packet pickup outside AMF Springfield Lanes from 8:00 am to 8:45 am. Any packets or shirts not picked up at the Saturday or race morning packet pickups will be forfeited unless the shipping option was selected. Packets by mail: Online registration includes an option to have your packet mailed for a separate $15 fee. We will prepare these packets to be mailed after race weekend. If you are unable to pick up your packet, please pay for the shipping option. Any packets not picked up at the Saturday or race morning packet pickups will be forfeited unless the shipping option was selected.

2026–27 Iceman Series Extend your running season through the winter with the 2026–27 Iceman Series — a progressive set of races designed to keep you motivated and moving in the cold months. Points Series (December & January) 15 points for participating1 point for each kilometer you runAge-group points (5-year brackets): 15 for 1st, 14 for 2nd, 13 for 3rd, and so on View last year’s Points Series results February Half Marathon Event The February Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K are separate from the points contest: Half Marathon: Finisher medal, Iceman shirt, and awards for top finishers.10K & 5K: Finisher medal, t-shirt, and awards for the top 3 male and female finishers overall. Full Series Bonus Swag Runners who sign up for the full series will receive an Iceman Series quarter-zip shirt at the first event, in addition to the Iceman shirt at the Half Marathon. Full series participants also receive a series display to hold their finisher medallions. Series finisher medallion display — included with full series registration. Post-Race Perks Each event begins and ends at a local restaurant or bar. Your registration includes a $5 coupon for food and drinks after your run. Every race offers both a short-distance and long-distance option. Race Schedule December 12, 2026 — 10K (6.2 miles) & 5K The Corner Pub & Grill 3271 W. Iles Ave (Iles & Koke Mill, Springfield, IL) Venue Confirmed December 26, 2026 — 12K (7.46 miles) & 5K Home Plate Bar & Grill 2571 S. Koke Mill Rd (Koke Mill & Ginger Creek, Springfield, IL) Venue Confirmed January 9, 2027 — 15K (9.32 miles), 10K & 5K Location to be announced Venue Unconfirmed January 23, 2027 — 18K (11.18 miles), 10K & 5K Location to be announced Venue Unconfirmed February 6, 2027 — Half Marathon (13.1 miles), 10K & 5K Location to be announced Venue Unconfirmed Sign up today and be a part of one of Central Illinois’ most exciting winter running traditions.

Join us on Saturday, April 11, 2026 as runners from many states and countries take in Abraham Lincoln sites during this scenic half marathon. This USATF certified course will immerse you in Lincoln history unlike any other race!   ​The race starts at the Old State Capitol where Lincoln gave his famous House Divided speech.  Just across the plaza from the Capitol, within the first quarter mile of the race, is the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices.  This is the only building still standing where Lincoln practiced law during in his 25-year career.  Not even a mile into the race, runners go back in time for two blocks, passing by the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned.  During mile nine, runners enter Oak Ridge cemetery and are able to view Lincoln's final resting place.  Mile 10 takes runners through the local city park named after the 16th president.  During the final mile of the race, runners will pass by historic Union Train station directly adjacent to the Abraham Lincoln Museum and L

The latest edition of the Lincoln Memorial Garden 8K Trail Race and associated Kids Fun Run in Springfield, Illinois is scheduled to be held on Saturday May 30, 2026.  Eight kilometers (4.97 miles) of trails – with the course entirely situated within the Garden - will test runners’ stamina over the scenic trails and pathways of the historic Garden, along the trails next to Lake Springfield, and throughout the Ostermeier Prairie Center grounds.     We greatly appreciate the following very positive comments from previous races:                                               “The course was well laid out and marked, the staff was very helpful,                                                       and the snacks and drinks after were very welcomed.”                                                                “Thanks for the great race.  I really enjoyed it!”                                           “This was one of the best marked trails I have ever been on.  There wasn’t

Registration closes what capacity is reached, or at 5PM the day before the race.  To participate in the event, you must complete your registration by this time. Y NINJA is a fun Obstacle Course Run for kids. All fees are per person. There will be a variety of inflatable and constructed obstacles across the grounds of Kerasotes YMCA. Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. 1st - 2nd -3rd place finishers receive a prize and award ceremony after the run. There will be wet obstacles near the end of the course so dress appropriately. All runners can rerun the cross several times after the timed runs until 1 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: You will not be able to wear any type of shoes in the inflatable obstacles so plan ahead to wear easily removable shoes, or run barefoot, or in socks. The course will be on grass.  All fees are per person. Proceeds benefit YMCA STRONG KIDS FUND to provide a Y Experience for underserved, at risk youth , and those with diverse abilities in our community.TimelineN

This race venue is the favorite of many athletes! Enjoy a calm (usually!) lake swim, a flat, fast bike, and a flat and shady run. The Lake Springfield area is friendly and the bike and run scenery is breathtaking!  For more information including, but not limited to race options, course maps, schedule of events, packet pickup/endurance expo, volunteer - signup, sponsorship info, parking, etc. Please visit - https://www.mseracing.com/lake-springfield-triathlon All athletes MUST show a Photo ID and pick up their own race packet, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Run Your Bundts Off 2026 Benefiting Girls on the Run of Central Illinois & True North Running Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026Location: Lincoln Park Pavilion, Springfield, ILDistances: 5K Run or 2-Mile WalkStart Time: 8:00 AM (please line up by 7:45 AM)Contact: Sean Urban – Springfield-IL@NothingBundtCakes.com  Event Overview Join us for the 2026 Run Your Bundts Off, a fun, welcoming community race that brings runners, walkers, and families together for a great cause. Whether you’re chasing a PR or enjoying a relaxed walk through Lincoln Park, this event has something for everyone. All event profits benefit Girls on the Run of Central Illinois and True North Running, helping support youth programming and the local running community.  What Participants Receive • Bundtinis waiting for you at the finish line• Complimentary race photos provided by Madeline at Almalee Photography• A custom finisher medal to celebrate your accomplishment• Race T-shirt provided by Impressions Designs •