Best Trail Running Races in the Midwest 2025
Strambecco rates the best trail running events in the Midwest for 2025 based on various factors, including reputation, route quality, location, runner feedback, and the overall uniqueness of the event or race. Spanning Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, South/North Dakota, Nebraska, Indiana, and Minnesota, the Midwest terrain features of Strambecco’s best list is generally flat or rolling.
The Midwest is home to many prominent and well-organized events. Strambecco’s list of best trail running events in the Midwest 2025 includes events that are components or qualifiers for prestigious regional, national, and international race series, including the Midwest Grand Slam of Ultrarunning Series, Western States 100, and UTMB World Series.
Strambecco does not list every event. We strive to identify and review events that are special and noteworthy. If you have suggestions on other events we should consider or review, don’t hesitate to contact us here or send us a note at editors@strambecco.com.
Last updated May 21, 2025 The Ignite Trail Marathon 2025, organized by the Ignite Trail Series, is a highly anticipated trail running event in the Midwest, held annually at the picturesque Chain…
Last updated June 2, 2025 The 2026 event date is not confirmed… The annual Mohican Trail 100-50-Marathon 2026 is the fifth-oldest Ultra race in North America and is rated by Strambecco as one…
Last updated June 21, 2025 The 2026 event has not been confirmed yet… This classic ultra marathon, the Kettle Moraine 100 2026 Endurance Trail Races was started in 1996. It is the…
Last updated August 10, 2025 The 2026 event has not been confirmed yet… The annual Burning River Endurance Run & Relay 2026, produced by Western Reserve Racing, offers 100-mile, 50-mile, and Marathon solo…
Last updated September 6, 2025 The event for 2026 has not been confirmed yet… As a trail running enthusiast, the Marquette Trail 50 2026 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is an event that stands…
Last updated September 6, 2025 The event for 2026 has not been confirmed yet… Gravel Worlds 2026 will celebrate its annual event and as a testament to the quality of the event,…
Last updated September 22, 2025 The 2026 event has not been confirmed yet… Set against the backdrop of Michigan’s luscious forest, meandering dirt tracks, and the shimmer of a beach, the Run…
Last updated September 22, 2025 The 2026 event has not been confirmed yet… Ironbull Ultra Trail 2026 invites all trail runners to gather in Rib Mountain State Park for 3-course options at the…
Last updated October 7, 2025 The event for 2026 has not been confirmed yet… Welcome to the heart-pounding Icebug Birkie Trail Run 2026, an exhilarating adventure set in the enchanting landscapes of…
Last updated October 24, 2025 The 2026 event date is not confirmed yet… The final leg of the Midwest Grand Slam of Ultrarunning and a qualifier event for the famed Western States 100,…