8 events in Vermilion County, Illinois
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Vermilion County
8 events in Vermilion County-
Sat, Feb 21, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
23rd Annual Fat Ass Est. 2003
Saturday, February 21, 2026 @ 8:00 a.m.
Race Director: Julie Zimmerman / Co Director: Adrianne Thompson
From the RD: You have to pick your distance for this event. You have 5 hours to complete as many miles as you can. You may choose the Lake Mingo Trail and/or the Howl Loop. The categories for each level are as follows: Fat Ass- 28.4 miles; Large Ass- 21.3 miles; Average Ass – 14.2 miles; Small Ass – 7.1 miles; Baby Ass – 3.29 miles (howl loop); No Ass – Just here to party
You can change your distance at any time during the day. This event is a PIG RESCUE. What does this mean? Some of our Fat A$$es tried to run their first Fat Ass and got stuck on the Lake Mingo Trail and need your help to finish. So as you run, keep your eyes open and if you see one, grab them and bring them back for a prize. If you find the “Golden Pig” you will win a Free Howl at the Moon Entry. So have fun and good luck.
Members Only Event: You must be a member of the Kennekuk Road Runners to participate in this event. So this is the perfect event to become a member of this awesome club.
Location: Hide Away Shelter at Kennekuk Cove County Park. Take I-74 to exit 210 and follow the signs to the park. Address is: 22296-A Henning Road Danville, IL 61834.
Course Mingo Trail: The course is 90% trail with 7% grassland and 3% rock & asphalt. There are numerous hills, 9 bridges and marshlands. The course goes around Lake Mingo and you go across the earth dam. It is deep woods and you may see deer, wild turkeys, geese, wood ducks, snakes and giant blue Heron. Each loop is 7.1 Miles
Course Howl Loop: The course consists of a rocky road, trail, a couple hills and asphalt. Each loop is 3.29 miles.
Aid Stations: Due to the weather and time of year there are not aid stations on this course so pack your race day essentials accordingly.
Online Registration Dates: Open till Raceday. Please sign up soon so we can get a head count for food and prizes.
Online Registration Cost: Entry and Food is FREE! You can purchase the Fat Ass Sweatshirt. Keep any eye out for the image release on our Facebook page.
Sweatshirt Cutoff Date: N/A all swag must be won
Check IN and Packet Pickup: Packet will include your bib and pins and can be picked up on race day any time after 7:45am. Check in by placing your pig next to your name on the board. This is very important, so we know who is out on the trails. You must check out on the same board, so we know you are done so we don’t send out the dogs to find you.
Time Limit: 5 hours
Start Time: Hideaway opens at 8:00 am, but you can start as early as 6:00 am. The finish time is no later than 2:30 PM. EVERYONE MUST SIGN IN, SO IF YOU START EARLY, PLEASE COME IN ON YOUR 2ND LOOP AND SIGN IN AND DO NOT PICK A PIG UP FROM THE TRAIL UNTIL AFTER 8:00. Please sign out when you are finished for the day. We would like all asses done no later than 2:30, so we can party!!
Regulations: No bandits, radios, strollers, or dogs allowed. No shirts or awards will be mailed. No refunds or bib transfers. You must be present to win any drawings at the post race party.
Special Thanks: Please join us in thanking the Kickapoo State Recreation Area Staff, all of our dedicated volunteers, and loyal sponsors.
Post Race Party: Immediately following the race, the party will be at the Hideaway Shelter. Bring a dish to share and your favorite beverage of choice.
Camping: Not available during this time of year
Fun Facts:
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Adult pigs can run at speeds of 11 mph, or in other words, they can run a 7 minute mile. Could you do any better?
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If you’ve ever suggested that someone was “sweating like a pig”, then you’d be wrong. Pigs have hardly any sweat glands, and one of the best ways for them to cool down is to wallow in all of the glorious mud.
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Pigs appear to have good sense of direction and have found their way home over great distances.
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Sat, Mar 21, 2026 at 10:00 AMSee full details
39th Mountain Goat Est. 1987
Saturday, March 21, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m.
Race Director: Jenn Scheele
Co-Director: Tina Holley
From the RD: There are lots of reasons to run this race!! (1) See if you are in shape after the winter (2) Enjoy the first weekend of spring (3) See how out of shape you are after the winter (4) Super spring marathon training (5) It is not the usual 5k that everyone can do (6) The usual KRR after race party!
Grand Slam Event #2: An awesome award will be presented to everyone who finishes these great Kennekuk Events in 2026. Siberian Express, Mountain Goat, Lake Mingo Trail Run, and Wild Wild Wilderness. Awards will be presented at the Wild Wild Wilderness race and you must be present to receive. Award will not be mailed.
Location: Kickapoo State Recreation Area Take I-74 to exit 210 and follow the signs to the park. Address is: 10906 Kickapoo Park Rd, Oakwood IL 61858.
Distance: There are 3 distance options for this event.
5k -- 1 Out and Back It’s a hill...get over it 😊
10k – 2 Out and Back A nice hill workout 😊😊
15k – 3 Out and Back It isn’t bragging if you’ve done it 😊 😉 😊
Course: This course is 90% asphalt and 10% surfaced handicapped trail. This is a 5k course and you can do it 1, 2, or 3 times.
Aid Stations: Fuel up at the bottom of the hill approximately halfway through the out and back
course.
Online Registration Dates: Open till March 19, 2026
Online Registration Cost: REGISTER BEFORE THE PRICE INCREASE ON FEBRUARY 13
Race Day Registration: Available from 8:30 am to 9:30 and the cost is $40 for the 5k, $45 for the 10k and $50 for the 15k. You can pay with cash or check made payable to KRR. Race day registration does not include the hat.
Swag Cutoff Date: Jan 19th – You must register online by this date to order swag. There may be a small selection of swag available for purchase at the after party but there are no guarantees.
Packet Pickup: Packet will include your bib, swag(if ordered) and pins and can be picked up on race day from 8:30 am to 9:45 am.
Time Limit: 2 hours
Race Time: 10:00 am
Finisher Awards: will be presented to the first 200 runners as you cross the finish line.
Age Group Awards: N/A
Race Day Photos: Will be provided by Gabe Difanis. [email protected] All photos will be uploaded to race website for you to view and download.
Regulations: No bandits, radios, strollers, or dogs allowed. No shirts or awards will be mailed. No refunds or bib transfers. You must be present to win any drawings at the post race party.
Special Thanks: Please join us in thanking the Kickapoo State Recreation Area Staff, all of our dedicated volunteers, and loyal sponsors.
Post Race Party: Exit 210 Saloon
Camping: Not available during this time of year
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Sat, May 16, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
🐾 Cats & Dogs 5K and 5‑Hour Event 🐶🐱
❤️ ABOUT THIS EVENT
Join us for a fun, furry‑friendly day at Kennekuk as we run, walk, and celebrate the dogs and cats of Vermilion County! 🐾
There are 2 Event Options to enjoy:
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🐶 OPTION 1: 5K - The Howl @ the Moon Loop only.
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🐱 OPTION 2: 5‑Hour Event - Run or walk for up to five hours on the Howl Loop or the Lake Mingo Trail.
🗓️ DATE/TIME
Both events start at 8:00 AM.
📍 LOCATION
Kennekuk County Preserve – Hideaway
22296 Henning Rd, Danville, IL 61834
West of Danville, Illinois. Take I‑74 to Exit 206 or 210 and follow the signs to the park.
💲 REGISTRATION COST
- 5K: $35
5‑Hour: $30
👕 T‑SHIRT INFO
We will have a small number of shirts available for purchase onsite from Kennekuk Road Runners as well as the shelter so bring cash for those separate purchases.
Food:
We will have burger hot from the grill and potato salad for the folks who ran the 5 hour event. They will be served shortly after 1:00 once we conclude.
🐾 DONATIONS FOR THE ANIMAL SHELTER ❤️
We kindly ask that you bring donations for the Vermilion County Animal Shelter 🐶🐱.
Their website and Amazon Wish List are available on their homepage.
Tell your friends and family you’re running with and for the dogs and cats of Vermilion County! They can show support by bringing:
Pet food 🐾
Newspaper 🗞️
Kitty litter 🐱
Cleaning supplies 🧼
Grooming items ✂️
Collars & leashes 🐕
KRR turns over every penny of profit to the DOGs & CATs.
You can also make a donation during registration.
Cash donations ❤️view the donations tab for more information about race discounts
🌳 WHY DO THIS?
You’ll enjoy the park, do something you love, and help get our furry friends the care they need 🐾❤️.
The shelter will have animals on‑site — you can walk/run with a dog and play with the cats!
🌟 SOMETHING SPECIAL
KRR WILL PAY THE ADOPTION FEES FOR THE FIRST ADOPTION!!! 🐶🐱❤️
Help a furbaby find their forever home.
🐾 Vermilion County Animal Shelter Website
You can see all the animals available for adoption on their official website
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Sat, Jun 13, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
28th Annual Lake Mingo Trail Run Est. 1999
Saturday, June 13, 2026 @ 9:00 a.m.
IMPORTANT RACE DAY CHANGE!!!!!
Race Director: Joe Kelly
Co Race Director: Stephen Darling
From the RD: This race is special and each year we mix it up by changing directions. On Odd years the course is clockwise and On Even years the course is counterclockwise. So make sure you train accordingly.
Grand Slam Event #3: An awesome award will be presented to everyone who finishes these great Kennekuk Events in 2025. Siberian Express, Mountain Goat, Lake Mingo Trail Run, and Wild Wild Wilderness. Awards will be presented at the Wild Wild Wilderness race.
Location: Kennekuk Cove County Park. Take I-74 to exit 210 and follow the signs to the park. Address is: 22296-A Henning Road Danville, IL 61834
Course Mingo Trail: The course is 90% trail with 7% grassland and 3% rock & asphalt. There are numerous hills, 9 bridges and marshlands. This 7.1 mile course goes around Lake Mingo and you go across the earth dam. It is deep woods and you may see deer, wild turkeys, geese, wood ducks, snakes and giant blue Heron. Depending on the weather, you may get wet and muddy. Or you might be hot as heck and needing to visit that hydration station halfway around the lake. If a storm washes out one of the bridges... there may be a creek crossing. How fun would that be?
Aid Stations: There is one aid station halfway through the course. The hydration station will have water, various beverages and limited snacks.
Online Registration Dates: Open until June 4, 2026
Race Day Registration: Available from 8:00 to 8:45 and the cost is $45. Cash or checks may be made payable to KRR. Race day registration does not include the shirt.
T-shirt Cutoff Date: TBD– You must register online by this date to order a shirt/sweatshirt. There may be a small selection of shirts available for purchase at a cost of $20. Limited shirts may be available at the after party but there are no guarantees.
Packet Pickup: Packet will include your shirt, bib and pins and can be picked up on race day from 8:00 to 8:45
Time Limit: No time limit
Finisher Medals: will be presented to the first 150 runners as you cross the finish line.
Age Group Awards: TBD
Regulations: No bandits, radios, strollers, or dogs allowed. No shirts or awards will be mailed. No refunds or bib transfers. You must be present to win any drawings at the post race party.
Special Thanks: Please join us in thanking the Kennekuk County Park Staff, all of our dedicated volunteers, and loyal sponsors.
Post Race Party: Immediately following the race, the party will be at the Hideaway Shelter. Kennekuk will have pulled pork and pulled chicken with chips and old style keg beer
Camping: Nearby Kickapoo State Park has two major campgrounds for tent and trailer camping with 184 sites. About half of the sites have electrical hookups. Two shower buildings and a sanitary dump station are available. A limited number of walk in sites are available for primitive campers, but several campsites can be reserved by writing the site or by applying in person. For more information go to: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.kickapoo.html or call 217-442-4915
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Sat, Aug 08, 2026 at 7:00 AMSee full details
New this year!!!
I have expanded the age groups. I am also going 5 deep for the 8hr run age group awards.
We are keeping the 4 hr run or walk option.
Sticking with start time of 7:00 am
Race shirts t-shirts by Headsweats ($10.00)
Return of the Swagbag
In memory of Scott Hathaway
Limited to 250 participants. There will be NO refunds, deferrals, or transfers of division. No exceptions. READ ALL RULES.
COURSE
The race will again follow the original clockwise direction. This means you will be running or walking Up Watermelon Hill. Yes, that means the return of that aid station. Start and Finish at the Laury Barn (Big Red Barn). The course is a 3.25-mile loop through the park. The course is a mix of grass, gravel, and pavement. There is a full aid station around the halfway point of the course and one on top of Watermelon Hill. Runners can and should have their own aid at the start/finish, including crew support.
Events
PACKET PICK UP
Pick up your race packet in the Laury Barn (Big Red Barn). You will receive a swag bag with your bib, and shirt if ordered, as well as some surprises we are working on.
Canopies can be set up on Friday starting at 2 pm.
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Friday 8/7/2026: 2:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. preferred packet pick-up time.
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Saturday, 8/8/2026, 6:00 A.M. to 6:30 A.M for 8hr participants.
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Saturday 8/8/2026, 10:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. for 4hr participants.
Anyone sleeping overnight at the park must check in as a camper and pay the $20 camping fee.
COURSE PREVIEW/ "BABY HOWL 5K"
Friday 8/7/2026: 6:00 P.M.
We will Start a one loop preview of the Howl course for participants and their families/crews. Everyone is welcome! Free event.
RACE
Saturday 8/8/2026: 7:00 A.M.
Howl at the Moon - 8 hr race begins. Starting line near the Red Laury Barn.
Howl at the Moon - 4 hr race begins at 11:00 AM.
You must check in with your assigned scorer (under the tent at the starting line) prior to the start of the race.
RUNNERS:
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PACERS are only allowed for the 8 hr race and only after 11 am. One pacer per loop. Pacers must sign a waiver and wear a bib. No pacers on out and backs.
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Loops are counted by personal scorers for each age division.
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You must check in with your scorer each loop.
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YOUR SCORER IS ALWAYS RIGHT.
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Runners cannot start a loop after 2:30 P.M.
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1/4 Mile out and back course starts at 2:30 pm. run as many as you can before 3:00pm.
WALKERS:
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PACERS are only allowed for the 8 hr race and only after 11 am. One pacer per loop. Pacers must sign a waiver and wear a bib. No pacers on out and backs.
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Loops are counted by personal scorers.
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You must check in with your scorer each loop.
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YOUR SCORER IS ALWAYS RIGHT.
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Walkers cannot start a loop after 2:15 P.M.
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1/4 Mile out and back course starts at 2:15 pm walk as many as you can before 3pm
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Walkers must walk at all times. No race-walking.
AWARDS AND AFTER PARTY
8 hr run: Top 3 runners male/female overall . Top 5 runners male/female in each age group. (0-29 ,30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & over). And
4 hr run: Top 3 runners male/female overall. Top runner male/female in each age group (0-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over)
8/4 hr walk: Top 3 walkers male/female overall.
Post race food will be provided for all registered racers. We are working on getting a food truck on site at cost if you need something more to eat or if Family/Friends/Crew are hungry. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate all food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Overnight Camping
Camping is available on Friday & Saturday. $20.00 fee includes both nights. Fee will be donated to the park. YOU MUST PAY THIS FEE EVEN IF YOU ARE SLEEPING IN A VEHICLE. Camping will be first come first serve and you can pay at online registration or at Friday's packet pick up (cash only). Quiet hours are 9:30pm-5:30am. Canopies can be set up Friday after 2 pm at no charge.
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Sat, Sep 12, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
46th Annual Wild Wild Wilderness Est. 1981
📝 Race Day Registration
Race day sign-ups are available onsite from 8:00 to 8:45
AM.
💵 Cost: $40 (5K) or $50 (7.45 Mile) — please make checks payable to KRR.
👕 Race day registration does not include a race shirt or sweatshirt.
🎽 Packet Pickup:
Packet will include your bib, shirt and pins and can be picked up on race day from 8:00 am to 8:45 am. The location for pickup is at Kickapoo State Park Maintenance Building.
📍 Location:
Kickapoo State Recreation Area Take I-74 to exit 210 and follow the signs to the park. Address is: 10906 Kickapoo Park Rd, Oakwood IL 61858.
🕐 Race Time Limit: None just have fun
⏰ Start Times:
5K: 9:15
7.45 Mile: 9:00
🏞️Course Overview:
The 7.45 mile course is 95% trail, and heads east out of the park before turning into the woods, where the adventure really begins. You will climb and descend steep hills, cross creeks and bridges, and if you are lucky, see some dee and other wildlife. This is a scenic and challenging run.
⛑⛑️ Aid Stations:
There will be one aid station approximately 2 miles into the course and another right after 4 miles. The aid stations will be supplied with liquid hydration.
Race Day Regulation Reminders:
🚫 NO BANDITS · NO RADIOS or HEADPHONES· NO STROLLERS · NO DOGS
📬 NO AWARDS OR SHIRTS MAILED
❌ NO REFUNDS OR BIB TRANSFERS
🎉 MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN DRAWING
🏕️ Camping Update
Kickapoo has two major campgrounds for tent and trailer camping with 184 sites. About half of the sites have electrical hookups. Two shower buildings and a sanitary dump station are available. A limited number of walk in sites are available for primitive campers, but several campsites can be reserved by writing the site or by applying in person. For more information go to: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.kickapoo.html or call 217-442-4915
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Sat, Oct 24, 2026 at 2:00 PMSee full details
🍂 FALL FRENZY 2025 🍂
Free Members-Only Event — and the perfect excuse to become a KRR member if you haven’t yet!
📍 Location: Kennekuk County Park – White Oak Barn
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
✅ Check-In: Starts promptly at 2:00 PM — but feel free to roll in when you're ready to join the fun!
This year’s challenge? A Scavenger Hunt designed for you to enjoy the best of fall in the park while spending time with your KRR family that’s part trail trek, part brain teaser and 100% fall-tastic. 🍁🧠
🎯 Here’s how it works:
Choose any of the below stunning three trails — complete them in any order you wish.
At the turnaround point of each trail, you will be greeted with your entry to 1 of 3 drawings, bring it back, place it in the designated basket & you are in! The prizes involve a bunch of orange, KRR fanwear of course & very important to all of us, the best way to carry your favorite beverage!
Bring your entry back to the barn to enter the prize drawing for that trail, drawings will start at 5pm.
Complete all three trails for triple the chances to win these seriously cool prizes!
🗺️ Trail #1 – Hidden Valley Out and Back
🗺️ Trail #2 – River Bluff Out and Back
🗺️ Trail #3 – Lookout Point Out and Back
Whether collecting memories or just soaking up the autumn vibes with fellow KRR members, this event is all about connection, adventure, and a little friendly competition.
Not a member yet? Join today and get in on the action — because Fall Frenzy is too good to miss.
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Sat, Nov 28, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
A Kennekuk Members Only Event - MEET THE BACKPACK TRAIL
TRAIL:
One of the most difficult in this part of the Midwest. Plenty of sheer beauty, and you could very easily get wet & muddy. Everything a trail runner could want. There is even a long stair climb. You will see things on this trail you won't see on other trails in the area. You CAN NOT run this trail alone if it is your first time. We would have to send out the bloodhounds!
DIRECTIONS: Going South on Route 1 to Westville, turn left on East Main Street at the stoplight. You will see Julee's Shooting Star Tavern on the right (northwest comer). Follow the road for 7 .2 miles to the Forest Glen entrance. Tum left into the park and follow the road to the Maple Grove Lodge.
PARTY: NEW LOCATION !! The party is at the Maple Grove Lodge. This will be a potluck style meal with beverages. Further details will be posted on the KRR Facebook page.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD? DUMB, DUMB QUESTION. WE'RE KRR! WE DON'T CARE! WE'RE TRAIL RUNNERS!
WE MUST KNOW IF YOU ARE COMING SO WE HAVE ENOUGH -- SO SIGN UP TODAY