Question 1

How many trail races are in Il?

Accepted Answer

There are 2 organized races and 41 self-supported routes available in Il.

Question 2

What is a 5K race?

Accepted Answer

A 5K race is approximately 2.5 to 3.7 miles in distance.

Question 3

What is the average elevation gain in Il?

Accepted Answer

The average elevation gain is 128 feet, with routes ranging from 10 to 502 feet.

Question 4

Can these 5k routes in Il be used for hiking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 100% of these routes are on trail surfaces, making them suitable for both trail running and hiking. The terrain analysis and elevation profiles help hikers plan their adventures just as effectively as runners.

Question 5

Are 5K races beginner-friendly?

Accepted Answer

5K race difficulty varies widely. Use the elevation gain and terrain analysis to assess each route. Races with lower elevation gain relative to distance and higher runnable percentages tend to be more beginner-accessible.

Route Name	Location	Distance	Elevation Gain	Type	Race Date
Raceway Trail	IL	3.4 mi	149 ft	race	—
Brunner Trail	IL	3.5 mi	11 ft	race	—
Bluff Trail - West	IL	2.5 mi	173 ft	route	—
Gander Mountain Loop	IL	2.5 mi	236 ft	route	—
Cedar Lake Trail #001M3	IL	2.5 mi	396 ft	route	—
Bailey Bridge Interim Trail	IL	2.5 mi	44 ft	route	—
Tan Trail	IL	2.5 mi	91 ft	route	—
Burnham Greenway: Black	IL	2.6 mi	—	route	—
Nelson Lake Trail	IL	2.6 mi	13 ft	route	—
Little Cedar Lake Trail # 001M4	IL	2.6 mi	141 ft	route	—
Kaskaskian Trail	IL	2.6 mi	44 ft	route	—
Green Loop	IL	2.6 mi	53 ft	route	—
Matthiessen State Park Loop	IL	2.7 mi	135 ft	route	—
Rock River Recreation Trail: Martin Park to Headquarters Forest Preserve.	IL	2.7 mi	66 ft	route	—
Fern Hollow Trail	IL	2.8 mi	327 ft	route	—
Park Loop	IL	2.8 mi	106 ft	route	—
Leatherleaf Bog Trail	IL	2.8 mi	21 ft	route	—
Floodplain Trail	IL	2.9 mi	127 ft	route	—
Trail C	IL	2.9 mi	360 ft	route	—
Hickory Creek Bikeway	IL	2.9 mi	111 ft	route	—
John W. English Memorial Nature Trail	IL	3.0 mi	59 ft	route	—
Brown Trail Loop	IL	3.0 mi	31 ft	route	—
Little Grand Canyon Loop	IL	3.0 mi	497 ft	route	—
Va Sterne's Woods Trail	IL	3.0 mi	144 ft	route	—
Perimeter Loop Trail	IL	3.1 mi	13 ft	route	—
Bald Knob Cross Trail	IL	3.1 mi	502 ft	route	—
Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve Trail	IL	3.1 mi	11 ft	route	—
Purple Loop	IL	3.2 mi	28 ft	route	—
Rock Cut South Trail	IL	3.2 mi	125 ft	route	—
Buffalo Creek Trail	IL	3.2 mi	55 ft	route	—
Sun Lake Forest Preserve Trail	IL	3.2 mi	25 ft	route	—
Trail B	IL	3.3 mi	331 ft	route	—
Trail #049	IL	3.3 mi	227 ft	route	—
John Husar I&M Canal Trail: Black	IL	3.3 mi	—	route	—
Burnham Greenway: Orange	IL	3.3 mi	—	route	—
H.U.M. Trail	IL	3.3 mi	20 ft	route	—
Galena River Trail - Galena Junction Segment	IL	3.4 mi	47 ft	route	—
Green Bay Trail	IL	3.4 mi	10 ft	route	—
Pecatonica Prairie Trail - Winnebago to Hoisington Road	IL	3.4 mi	20 ft	route	—
Group 63 Interim Trail	IL	3.4 mi	32 ft	route	—
Trail 7	IL	3.6 mi	71 ft	route	—
Burnham Greenway: Red	IL	3.7 mi	—	route	—
Black Trail	IL	3.7 mi	—	route	—

5K Races in Il

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

How many trail races are in Il?

What is a 5K race?

What is the average elevation gain in Il?

Can these 5k routes in Il be used for hiking?

Are 5K races beginner-friendly?