The Farmdale Trail Run returns to East Peoria, Illinois on October 10th, 2026 for its twenty-first edition, offering a range of distances including the popular 10K and half marathon as well as ultra-distances like the 50-mile and 100-mile races. Located in Farmdale Reservoir, this endurance event attracts runners from across Illinois who come to challenge themselves on miles of meandering single-track trails and service roads that wind through an expansive prairie maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers and local volunteer organizations. On race morning at East Peoria’s edge, participants will find a cool but comfortable atmosphere with temperatures typically ranging between 9.9°C and 19.6°C, feeling like around 14.7°C on average. The trail conditions are firm yet slightly soft underfoot, providing traction for the variety of terrain that runners must navigate as they take part in this scenic event. Farmdale Trail Run has become a significant local tradition since its inception two decades ago, consistently drawing hundreds of participants each year who aim to support the cause and challenge their endurance limits. The race raises funds for various community projects while also fostering camaraderie among trail running enthusiasts from East Peoria and surrounding areas like Washington and Morton. The course venue at Farmdale Reservoir features a mix of single-track trails, service roads, and open prairie terrain that offers both scenic beauty and technical challenges to runners. The layout includes elevation changes along the route which adds an element of difficulty for those tackling longer distances such as the 50-mile or 100-mile ultra races. Weather conditions on race day are expected to be relatively mild with temperatures hovering around average, humidity at about 65%, and minimal risk of precipitation. The trail itself will present firm yet slightly soft surfaces underfoot that require careful foot placement due to varying terrain features throughout the course layout.
In addition to shorter options like a half marathon (21.1K) and 10K run, Farmdale Trail Run also caters to ultra-distance runners with offerings of a 30-mile race (48.3K), a 50-mile event (80.5K), and the grueling 100-mile journey (160.9K). Registration for the Farmdale Trail Run can be completed online via https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=136539, where runners will find details on fees ranging from $35 for a 10K to $185 for the full 100-mile ultramarathon. Participants must complete registration by September 27th at midnight Central Time. Packet pickup takes place at Farmdale Reservoir located along W Bittersweet Rd in Washington, IL on Friday October 9th between 4pm and 9pm or up to an hour before race start times for those unable to attend the designated hours. Runners need only bring their confirmation email as proof of registration. Starting lines are set at Farmdale Reservoir with age requirements applicable based on distance; generally, anyone under eighteen must have a signed waiver from a parent or guardian present during packet pickup or bib collection day. For first-time participants looking to camp overnight within the park’s grounds starting Friday October 9th after 3pm, check-in is necessary for access and camping rules will be enforced strictly. The Farmdale Trail Run in East Peoria, Illinois on October 10-11, 2026 offers runners of all levels an opportunity to engage with a challenging course that highlights the unique beauty and history of this hidden gem within Illinois. The event’s commitment to supporting local projects through fundraising makes it not just a race but also a community-driven initiative worth experiencing for its scenic trails and supportive atmosphere.
Races Offered
100 Miler
Oct 10, 2026
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Distance —
160.9K
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Type —
Running
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05:00
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$185.00
50 Miler
Oct 10, 2026
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Distance —
80.5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
05:00
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$125.00
30 Miler
Oct 10, 2026
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Distance —
48.3K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
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$85.00
1/2 Marathon
Oct 10, 2026
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Distance —
21.1K
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Type —
Running
timer
08:00
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$50.00
10K
Oct 10, 2026
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Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
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$35.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in East Peoria.
thermostatTemperature
9.9° / 19.6°
wb_sunnyFeels like
6.8° / 16.7°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
8h 55m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
1.6 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
12.8 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
65.3%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:10
nightlight
Sunset
18:16
About East Peoria
Learn more about the host city, East Peoria.
East Peoria is a city in Western Illinois. It is a suburb of Peoria tied closely to Caterpillar Inc. and has a growing population of about 23,000.
