Moraine Hills Run for the Hills
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Moraine Hills Run for the Hills at Moraine Hills State Park
The Moraine Hills Run for the Hills is a multi-distance running and walking event held at Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry, Illinois. Distances offered in person and virtually include:
- 5K
- 10K
- Half Marathon
All courses lie entirely within the state park on closed trails. Surfaces are primarily crushed limestone with intermittent asphalt. Routes pass Lake Defiance, marshes, and native prairies. Course marshals and directional arrows will mark key intersections, and water and sports drink are provided at stations approximately every two miles; bananas and water are available at the finish. Snacks are not provided on course stations.
A virtual option runs from September 1 to September 27, 2026, with a virtual trifecta available for those who complete all three distances in that period. Virtual participants are not eligible for age group awards. Place medals are awarded to the first three finishers in each category for in person competitors; participation medals are available for an additional fee through late August.
Pre-race packet pick-up is available at The Running Depot in Crystal Lake on the two days before the event, and race day packet pick-up is available in the park. The event is organized by the Friends of Moraine Hills State Park and proceeds support scholarships, educational programs, park improvements, and visitor services. Animal teams raise funds for specific park projects. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
