Ultra Marathon Races in Illinois
Browse 21 ultra marathon trail running and hiking routes in Illinois. Distance range: 26.7 mi to 428.8 mi. Elevation gain: 74 ft to 15,110 ft. Preview each trail in 3D flyover and view segment breakdowns.
Key Takeaways
| Route Name | Location | Distance | Elevation Gain | Type | Race Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America Chicago Marathon | Chicago, Illinois | 26.8 mi | 128 ft | race | Oct 11, 2026 |
| Chicago Park Boulevard System Historic District (IL) | Cook County, Illinois | 26.7 mi | 74 ft | route | — |
| OBT-4 | Bloom Township, Illinois | 27.7 mi | 902 ft | route | — |
| Crab Orchard Lake Loop (IL) | Williamson County, Illinois | 28.3 mi | 795 ft | route | — |
| Dundee to Wisconsin via Prairie Trail | Dundee Township, Illinois | 31.7 mi | 657 ft | route | — |
| McHenry County Prairie Trail + Fox River Trail (IL) | McHenry County, Illinois | 31.7 mi | 657 ft | route | — |
| Great Western Trail, Western Segment (IL) | Kane County, Illinois | 34.0 mi | 315 ft | route | — |
| Jane Addams Trail (IL) | Stephenson County, Illinois | 34.7 mi | 198 ft | route | — |
| Chicago Lakefront Trail (IL) | Cook County, Illinois | 35.7 mi | 279 ft | route | — |
| Chicago Lakefront Trail | Chicago, Illinois | 35.7 mi | 279 ft | route | — |
| Fox River Trail (IL) | Kane County, Illinois | 37.9 mi | 515 ft | route | — |
| Great Western Trail, Entire Route & Road Connector (IL) | Kane County, Illinois | 38.2 mi | 1,230 ft | route | — |
| Rock Island Trail (IL) | Peoria County, Illinois | 46.8 mi | 2,920 ft | route | — |
| Palos Trail System (IL) | Cook County, Illinois | 50.6 mi | 2,692 ft | route | — |
| Chicago Times-Herald Auto Race Route (IL) | Cook County, Illinois | 54.6 mi | 148 ft | route | — |
| Illinois Prairie Path (IL) | DuPage County, Illinois | 57.4 mi | 797 ft | route | — |
| Chicago West Suburban 100k (IL) | DuPage County, Illinois | 62.0 mi | 750 ft | route | — |
| River to River Relay Course (IL) | Johnson County, Illinois | 81.1 mi | 5,082 ft | route | — |
| Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail (IL) | Grundy County, Illinois | 90.1 mi | 203 ft | route | — |
| River to River Trail (IL) | Johnson County, Illinois | 155.9 mi | 15,110 ft | route | — |
| Run Up Illinois | Sangamon County, Illinois | 428.8 mi | 10,455 ft | route | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trail races are in Illinois?
There are 1 organized races and 20 self-supported routes available in Illinois.
What is a Ultra Marathon race?
A Ultra Marathon race is approximately 26.2 to 100+ miles in distance.
What is the average elevation gain in Illinois?
The average elevation gain is 2,104 feet, with routes ranging from 74 to 15,110 feet.
Can these ultra marathon routes in Illinois be used for hiking?
Yes. 89% 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.
Are Ultra Marathon races beginner-friendly?
Ultra Marathon 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.
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