Moraine Hills Run for the Hills

Moraine Hills Run for the Hills

Moraine Hills Run for the Hills is a community race held at Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry, Illinois on September 26, 2026. The event offers in person and virtual options; the virtual event runs September 1 through September 27, 2026. Distances offered cover three standard road/trail distances.

• 5K Run or Walk on the Leatherleaf Bog Trail
• 10K Run or Walk on the Lake Defiance and Leatherleaf Bog Trails
• Half Marathon Run or Walk following the 10K routing for the first six miles, then a loop on the McHenry Dam trail and an out-and-back on the River Road bike trail

All three courses lie entirely within Moraine Hills State Park and use primarily crushed limestone trails with intermittent asphalt surfaces. Trails are closed to motorized vehicles. Course marshals and arrows will mark key intersections and turns. Course support includes water and sports drink stations approximately every two miles; snacks are not provided at stations, and bananas and water are available at the finish. Restroom access varies by distance. Place medals are awarded to the top three finishers in each category; participation medals are available for an additional fee until August 28.

The event is organized by the volunteer Friends of Moraine Hills State Park and raises funds for scholarships, education programs, and park improvements. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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