2026 Registration is now closed.
2026 Registration is now closed.
You can still join the race fun—sign up for your 12 favorite local races in 2026!
Move McHenry Co. Challenge
Run Local. Give Local. Live Naturally
Registration for the 2026 Move McHenry Co. Challenge is now closed, but you can still join the movement and be part of the race fun all year long!
We invite you to explore McHenry County one step at a time by signing up for your 12 favorite local races in 2026—supporting nonprofits, staying active, and cheering on fellow runners along the way.
What Is the Move McHenry Co. Challenge?
The Move McHenry Co. Challenge encourages participants to complete 12 races across McHenry County in one year, each supporting a local nonprofit. From family-friendly fun runs to scenic trail races, every step helps strengthen our community.
While official challenge registration is closed for 2026, the spirit of the challenge lives on—run local, give local, and live naturally by participating in the races that inspire you most.
2026 Challenge Details
Goal: Complete 12 races in McHenry County between January 1 and December 31, 2026
Purpose: Support local nonprofits through race participation
Who Can Participate: All fitness levels welcome—run, walk, or jog!
Registration Update
🚫 Challenge registration for 2026 is now closed.
✔️ Good news: You can still take part in the fun by registering directly with individual races throughout the year and completing your own 12-race journey.
Why Race in 2026?
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Support Local Causes: Every race gives back to a nonprofit
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Stay Motivated All Year: Set a goal and keep moving
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Explore McHenry County: Discover new communities, trails, and events
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Be Part of the Movement: Cheer on participants and celebrate race days together
Participating Races
A variety of races take place throughout McHenry County each year. While official challenge perks (discount codes, swag, and prizes) are limited to registered participants, everyone is encouraged to support local races and nonprofits by signing up and showing up in 2026.
👉 Check back often for race listings and upcoming events.
Groundhog Day 5k
January 31, 2026 - Woodstock, IL
March Madness Half Marathon
March 15, 2026 - Cary, IL
McHenry Kiwanis Club Shamrock Shuffle
March 14, 2026 - McHenry, IL
Miles for Smiles Glow Run 5k
May 2026 - McHenry, IL
Bob Blazier Run for the Arts
May 2026 - Crystal Lake, IL
Girls on the Run Northwest IL 5k
May 17, 2026 - Woodstock, IL
Harvard Milk Days 5k/10k
June 2026 - Harvard, IL
Bull Valley Monster Hill Challenge
June 2026 - Woodstock, IL
McHenry County Patriot Run
June 21, 2026 - Crystal Lake, IL
McHenry Lakefront 5k
July 11, 2026 - McHenry, IL
Crystal Lake Aquathon
July 2026 - Crystal Lake, IL
Huntley Historical Society Beer Mile
July 2026 - Huntley, IL
Skhywak Shuffle 5k
August, 2026 - Johnsburg, IL
Back to School 5k Glow Run
August 2026 - Cary, IL
Crystal Lake Half Marathon
August 2026 - Crystal Lake, IL
Huntley Hootenany Glow 5k
September 2026 - Huntley, IL
5k for All
September 2026 - Port Barrington, IL
Gather 5k and 1.5 Mle Fun Run
September 2026 - Spring Grove, IL
Thin Mint Sprint
September 2026 - Fox River Grove, IL
Run for the Hills
September 2026 - McHenry, IL
Cary Main Street Fest 5k
September 27, 2026 | Cary, IL
NAMIWalks McHenry County
October | Woodstock, IL
World's Largest Corn Maze Run
October 2026 - Spring Grove, IL
Fall Trail Classic
October 2026 - Marengo, IL
Care4 Breast Cancer 5k
October 2026 - Woodstock, IL
Fox Chase 5k
October 2026 - Fox River Grove
Trout Valley Turkey Trot
November 2026 - Trout Valley, IL
McHenry Turkey Trot
November 2026 - McHenry, IL
McHenry County Santa Run for Kids
December 2026 - Crystal Lake, IL
Egg Nog Jog 3k
December 2026 - Harvard, IL