Itasca, Illinois (United States of America) - "Cheers to New Year's 5k Run/Walk". Join us for the LIVE Cheers to New Year's 5k run/walk! Say HELLO to 2026, New Year, New You! Join us on Live in person on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at 10:00am for an exciting New Year themed event that features the amazing craft beer of Church Street Brewing Company! Whether you are looking to run, walk or just enjoy the beer this race is a sure thing for a great time and an incredible experience! This race is timed and scored by J3 Timing. Results will be posted at www.J3Timing.com. www.runsignup.com/Race/IL/Itasca/CheerstoNewYears?aflt_token=Nktw0AUB3nF4FPeh7Y7AWqQewFdw9sGt

Columbia, Illinois (United States of America) - "American Bottoms 100". This is a unique road ultra on a beautiful course, following the Mississippi River as you run through the historic American Bottom. Race headquarters is in Columbia, Illinois, just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. The race offers a 110-mile and a 55-mile option. The course will loosely follow the American Discovery Trail and the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail, Illinois' first road. You’ll watch the sun rise over the Illinois bluffs while running on levees and deserted backroads, from Columbia to the confluence of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers. You’ll make your way through many historic sites, including Piggott's Fort, Fort de Chartres, and the town of Prairie du Rocher. This is a flat and fast course with generous cut-off times, plenty of aid stations, and a friendly atmosphere. It will make a great first hundred miler or a chance for you to set a new personal record at this distance. So, if you're interested in a no-frills ultra with a low entry fee, then come test yourself this spring on the American Bottom. The 110-mile race starts at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21st, 2026 and finishes at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 22nd, 2026, with a 34-hour cut-off, 18:32 minute-per-mile pace, 1,400 feet of elevation gain total, out-and-back course, 76% levees and 24% hardball road, and 17 aid stations. The 55-mile race starts at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21st, 2026 and finishes at 10:00 p.m. the same day, with a 15-hour cut-off, 16:21 minute-per-mile pace, 700 feet of elevation gain total, point-to-point course, 76% levees and 24% hardball road, and 8 aid stations. https://americanbottoms100.com

Highland Park, Illinois (United States of America) - "North Shore Classic". Celebrate community and sportsmanship this summer at the North Shore Classic Half Marathon, 5K, 1-Mile Walk and Kids Race on May 31st, 2026! Take in the scenic beauty of Chicago's North Shore as you run through the picturesque streets of Highland Park. Whether you're charging the half marathon, hustling the 5K, or strolling in the 1-Mile community walk, the excitement doesn't end at the finish line. Join thousands of fellow runners for a post-race picnic packed with live music, delicious grilled bites, refreshing drinks, and plenty of fun to cap off an unforgettable day. http://go.evvnt.com/3127413-2?pid=6562