45th Annual Wild Wild Wilderness Est. 1981

  • Date Sat 12th September 2026
  • Time 9:00AM CDT
  • Location Oakwood, Illinois
  • Price $38.10 - $54.00
  • Races 3 races
  • Distances 5km

Event summary

Get ready for the 45th Annual Wild Wild Wilderness on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in the beautiful Oakwood, Vermilion! This exciting event invites runners of all levels to participate in a scenic adventure through the stunning Kickapoo State Recreation Area. Choose between a thrilling 5K or a challenging 7.45-mile trail run, both set amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the park. The 5K starts at 9:00 AM, followed by the 7.45-mile race at 9:50 AM, ensuring a fun-filled morning for all participants.

With registration available on-site from 8:00 to 8:45 AM, participants can join the action for just $40 for the 5K, $45 for the 7.45-mile run, or $55 for the ultimate challenge—cash or check only, please! The trail will take you through wooded areas, over creeks, and across bridges, providing not just a workout but a chance to connect with nature and possibly spot some local wildlife. So grab your running shoes and join us for a day of adventure and camaraderie at the Wild Wild Wilderness!

Organiser's Description

RACE DAY REGISTRATION
RACE DAY SIGN-UPS ARE AVAILABLE ONSITE FROM 8:00 TO 8:45

AM.
COST: $40 (5K) $45 (7.45 MILE) OR $55 FOR CHALLENGE (CASH OR CHECK ONLY) PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO KRR.
RACE DAY REGISTRATION DOES NOT INCLUDE A RACE SHIRT OR SWEATSHIRT.
WANT TO SAVE TIME? HTTPS://RUNSIGNUP.COM/RACE/ONSITEREG/95011 [https://runsignup.com/Race/OnSiteReg/95011]



PACKET PICKUP:

PACKET WILL INCLUDE YOUR BIB, SHIRT AND PINS AND CAN BE PICKED UP ON RACE DAY FROM 8:00 AM TO 8:45 AM. THE LOCATION FOR PICKUP IS AT KICKAPOO STATE PARK MAINTENANCE BUILDING.



LOCATION:

KICKAPOO STATE RECREATION AREA TAKE I-74 TO EXIT 210 AND FOLLOW THE SIGNS TO THE PARK. ADDRESS IS: 10906 KICKAPOO PARK RD, OAKWOOD IL 61858.



RACE TIME LIMIT: NONE JUST HAVE FUN

ALARM CLOCK START TIMES:
5K: 9:00

7.45 MILE: 9:50

CHALLENGE: 9:00 (START WITH THE 5K FIRST)


COURSE OVERVIEW:

THE 7.45 MILE COURSE IS 95% TRAIL, AND HEADS EAST OUT OF THE PARK BEFORE TURNING INTO THE WOODS, WHERE THE ADVENTURE REALLY BEGINS. YOU WILL CLIMB AND DESCEND STEEP HILLS, CROSS CREEKS AND BRIDGES, AND IF YOU ARE LUCKY, SEE SOME DEE AND OTHER WILDLIFE. THIS IS A SCENIC AND CHALLENGING RUN.



RESCUE WORKERS HELMETRESCUE WORKERS HELMET AID STATIONS:

THERE WILL BE ONE AID STATION APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES INTO THE COURSE AND ANOTHER RIGHT AFTER 4 MILES. THE AID STATIONS WILL BE SUPPLIED WITH LIQUID HYDRATION.





RACE DAY REGULATION REMINDERS:
NO BANDITS . NO RADIOS OR HEADPHONES. NO STROLLERS . NO DOGS
NO AWARDS OR SHIRTS MAILED
CROSS MARK NO REFUNDS OR BIB TRANSFERS
MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN DRAWING


CAMPING UPDATE

KICKAPOO HAS TWO MAJOR CAMPGROUNDS FOR TENT AND TRAILER CAMPING WITH 184 SITES. ABOUT HALF OF THE SITES HAVE ELECTRICAL HOOKUPS. TWO SHOWER BUILDINGS AND A SANITARY DUMP STATION ARE AVAILABLE. A LIMITED NUMBER OF WALK IN SITES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PRIMITIVE CAMPERS, BUT SEVERAL CAMPSITES CAN BE RESERVED BY WRITING THE SITE OR BY APPLYING IN PERSON. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: HTTPS://DNR.ILLINOIS.GOV/PARKS/PARK.KICKAPOO.HTML OR CALL 217-442-4915

Races

  • Wild Wilderness 5K

    Incl. $3.10 Fee & Unisex T-Shirt / Ladies Tank

    Sat 12th September 2026 (9:00AM CDT)

    $38.10

    OPENS 30 OCT
    The 5K run is a rustic trail that wraps around clear pond and takes you down spooky hollow and up the steps to 7. Follow the signs for the Clear (Pond) Trail.
  • Wild Wild Wilderness 7.45

    Incl. $3.40 Fee & Unisex T-Shirt / Ladies Tank

    Sat 12th September 2026 (9:50AM CDT)

    $43.40

    OPENS 30 OCT
    The 7.45 mile course, which is 95% trail, heads east out of the park before turning into the woods, where the adventure really begins. You will climb and descend steep hills, cross creeks and bridges, and if you are lucky, see deer and other wildlife. This is a scenic and challenging run.
  • WWW Challenge

    Incl. $4.00 Fee & Unisex T-Shirt / Ladies Tank

    Sat 12th September 2026 (9:00AM CDT)

    $54.00

    OPENS 30 OCT
    The 7.45 mile course, which is 95% trail, heads east out of the park before turning into the woods, where the adventure really begins. You will climb and descend steep hills, cross creeks and bridges, and if you are lucky, see deer and other wildlife. This is a scenic and challenging run. The 5K run is a rustic trail that wraps around clear pond and takes you down spooky hollow and up the steps to 7. Follow the signs for the Clear (Pond) Trail. Challenge yourself and do both trails.

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Location

10906 Kickapoo Park Rd, Oakwood, 61858, IL, United States

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