Moraine Hills Run for the Hills

About the Event

The Moraine Hills Run for the Hills 5K run/walk returns to McHenry, Illinois on Saturday, September 26th, 2026.
Participants will gather at picturesque Moraine Hills State Park, where nature’s beauty meets urban charm. The park's rolling hills and scenic paths create a welcoming atmosphere, with trees providing shade in the early morning hours of race day. The event kicks off at 7:30 AM, giving runners time to enjoy the serene environment before the start.
Since its inception, this run has been a cornerstone of local community engagement. For eight consecutive years, it has brought together families and friends, raising funds for scholarships that benefit McHenry High School students. Each year, hundreds of participants contribute their efforts towards making education more accessible through financial support.
The Moraine Hills Run for the Hills offers distances ranging from 5K to half marathon options with a virtual option available as well.
Course venue includes both on-site and virtual participation. The race follows firm yet slightly soft trails within Moraine Hills State Park, offering varied terrain that challenges runners while providing breathtaking views of McHenry's natural landscape. There are no aid stations along the course; however, water stops will be strategically placed every 2 kilometers to ensure hydration.
On race morning, expect a temperature range between 14 and 24 degrees Celsius with an average wind speed of about 10 miles per hour. Humidity levels remain at around 71%, making conditions comfortable but not overly humid. Sunshine totals approximately nine hours on the day, ensuring adequate light for visibility.
The Moraine Hills Run for the Hills features distances including a 5K run/walk (5km), 10K run/walk (10km), and half marathon run/walk (21km). A virtual option is also available.
To register, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/114754/moraine-hills-run-for-the-hills by the deadline of September 23rd at midnight for early bird pricing.
Bibs can be picked up on Friday, September 25th from 4 to 8 PM or Saturday morning before race start. Bring photo ID and a printed confirmation email as proof of registration.
The run starts at Moraine Hills State Park located off Illinois Route 176 in McHenry. Age requirements are open to all runners; however, participants must be at least 12 years old for the half marathon distance.
This race is worth attending because it supports local education and brings together a diverse community through shared physical activity.

10K Run
10km • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $50.14

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in McHenry.

thermostat Temperature

14.1° / 24.4°

wb_sunny Feels like

12.9° / 23.3°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

9h 59m

water_drop Avg rainfall

1.8 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

10.3 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Moderate

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Moderate (5.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

71.5%

wb_twilight Sunrise

06:34

nightlight Sunset

19:01

About McHenry

Learn more about the host city, McHenry.

McHenry is a city in McHenry County, Illinois, United States. It is located about 46 miles northwest of Chicago. Per the 2020 census, the population was 27,135. McHenry was at one time the county seat of McHenry County, which once included adjoining Lake County to the east. McHenry took its name from the county, which was named for Major William McHenry, a prominent US Army officer in the Black Hawk War.