Fall in Illinois has a way of making 13.1 miles feel like a good idea. The air turns crisp, the leaves start showing off, and suddenly a Saturday morning long run sounds less like a chore and more like a plan. If you have been circling a half marathon on the calendar, this stretch of October and November is a genuinely great time to lace up in the Prairie State. There are four upcoming half marathons in Illinois in this window, and each one has its own personality — from a Halloween weekend race in the city to a small-town harvest run to a Thanksgiving-weekend tradition. Here is a look at what is coming up, so you can find the one that fits you.
Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km — Sunday, October 25, 2026
Chicago knows how to do a theme, and this one lands right on Halloween weekend. If you like your long runs with a little costume energy and a city backdrop, the Haunted Halloween Half Marathon & 5km is worth a look. It is a solid pick for runners who want a fun, festive atmosphere and a distance that still counts toward your goals. Whether this is your first half or one of many, a holiday-weekend race has a way of making the miles feel lighter.
Galena River Fall Half Marathon & 8k — Saturday, October 31, 2026
Halloween morning in Galena sounds like the start of a good story. The Galena River Fall Half Marathon & 8k puts you in one of Illinois' most charming river towns on the last day of October. This is the kind of race that doubles as a weekend away — small-town streets, fall color, and a finish line you will want to stick around after. It earns a Runner Favorite nod, and it is a nice pick if you want scenery and a sense of place along with your 13.1.
14th Annual Springfield Marathon & Harvest Wind Half Marathon & 10K — Saturday, November 7, 2026
Early November in New Berlin brings the 14th Annual Springfield Marathon & Harvest Wind Half Marathon & 10K. The name says harvest, and the timing fits — this is a classic fall race weekend in central Illinois. It is a solid pick for runners who like a straightforward, community-minded race with a half marathon option alongside longer and shorter distances. If you are building toward a fall goal or just want one more race before the year winds down, this one is on the calendar.
Schaumburg Turkey Trot Half Marathon & 5K — Saturday, November 28, 2026
Thanksgiving weekend has a race tradition of its own, and the Schaumburg Turkey Trot Half Marathon & 5K in Elk Grove Village is a strong way to close out the season. It is the highest-rated race on this list, and the timing is tough to beat: earn your holiday meal, then spend the rest of the weekend recovering on the couch with a clear conscience. If you have been looking for a late-fall goal to keep you motivated through November, this is a fun one to circle.
Find Your Illinois Half Marathon
Four races, four different vibes — a Halloween city run, a river-town fall classic, a harvest-season staple, and a Thanksgiving-weekend tradition. Whichever one you pick, the season is short and the start lines are filling. Take a look at the full Illinois half marathon directory to see every upcoming race, compare dates, and find the one that fits your fall. From your first 13.1 to your next adventure, we are in it with you.