If you are looking for races in Rockford, Illinois, you have come to the right place. Rockford has a growing running scene with 6 races listed in our directory, including 2 upcoming events in 2026. Whether you are lacing up for your first 5K or chasing a new personal record, there is something here for every runner.
Upcoming Races in Rockford, Illinois
Here is a look at the top upcoming races in Rockford this year. We update our listings weekly so you always have the most current information.
Festival of Frights Haunted Hills Hustle
Date: October 23, 2026
Get ready to jog or stroll through spooky Halloween light displays as the sun sets in Rockford, with the flexibility to tackle 1, 2, 3, or 4 miles depending on your mood. Read full details →
2026 – Stroll on State Dasher Dash 5K Presented by Bucciferro Family McDonalds
Date: November 28, 2026
Distance: 5K
Get ready to celebrate the season with a festive 5K run or walk through downtown Rockford, IL, starting and finishing at Davis Park while taking in gorgeous views of the Rock River and the holiday-decorated East State Street! Read full details →
Why Run in Rockford?
Running events in Rockford offer a mix of community fun runs, charity 5Ks, and competitive road races throughout the year. The local running community is active and welcoming to runners of all levels — from first-timers to seasoned racers. Many of these events benefit local charities and organizations, making race day about more than just your finish time.
Find More Races in Illinois
Rockford is just one part of a thriving Illinois running scene. If you want to explore more events across the state, check out our full race listings for Illinois — we track every upcoming running event from 1 mile fun runs to full marathons.
Get Ready to Race
Found a race you want to run? The next step is making sure you are properly trained for it. Whether you are a first-timer aiming to finish or a veteran chasing a PR, having the right training plan makes all the difference.
Take our free 3-question training plan quiz and get matched to the right plan for your fitness level in under a minute. We will send it straight to your inbox so you can start training today.
Good luck out there — see you at the finish line in Rockford!
