About This Race
The Farmdale Trail Run stands as one of Illinois' premier trail running events, celebrating its twentieth edition in 2025. Set within the 800-acre Farmdale Recreation Area between East Peoria, Washington, and Morton, this hidden gem offers a rare opportunity to explore diverse terrain maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers and dedicated volunteer organizations. What sets Farmdale apart is its impressive range of distances, accommodating everyone from 10K runners to 100-mile ultramarathoners. The race takes full advantage of the area's varied landscape, featuring meandering single-track trails, service roads, and open prairie sections that create a dynamic and engaging course experience. With nearly two decades of history, Farmdale has established itself as a reliable fixture in the Midwest trail running calendar. The October timing captures the area's autumn beauty while providing ideal running conditions. The race's longevity speaks to its well-organized execution and the unique character of the Farmdale Recreation Area.
The Farmdale courses wind through an 800-acre recreation area that showcases central Illinois terrain at its finest. Runners navigate a mix of single-track trails, wider service roads, and open prairie sections, creating variety in both footing and scenery. The area's rolling topography provides moderate elevation changes without overwhelming technical challenges.
The trail network allows for multiple loop configurations depending on distance, with longer ultra distances utilizing more remote sections of the property. The combination of wooded areas and open prairie offers natural variety in the running experience, while the well-maintained trail system ensures consistent footing throughout the courses.
Practical Info
Mid-October in central Illinois typically offers cool mornings and mild afternoons, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit and occasional autumn rainfall.
PIA - General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport
The race is positioned between several Illinois cities including East Peoria, Washington, and Morton, providing multiple lodging options in the greater Peoria area.
Best For
Notable Features
The Farmdale Trail Run offers an exceptional range of distances from a single venue, allowing runners of vastly different experience levels to share the same weekend and course area. The 800-acre Farmdale Recreation Area provides a surprisingly diverse trail network for central Illinois, with single-track trails, service roads, and prairie sections creating natural variety. The race's twenty-year history demonstrates consistent organization and community support, while the Army Corps of Engineers maintenance ensures reliable trail conditions.