Kennekuk Road Runners - Wild Wild Wilderness

  • Date Sat 12th September 2026
  • Time 9:00AM CDT
  • Location Oakwood, Illinois
  • Price $32.80 - $43.40
  • Races 2 races
  • Distances 5km

Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating day of outdoor adventure at the 46th Annual Wild Wild Wilderness event on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in the scenic Kickapoo State Recreation Area, Oakwood, Vermilion. This year's race features two exciting distances: a 5K starting at 9:15 AM and a challenging 7.45-mile course that kicks off at 9:00 AM. Both courses promise breathtaking views and a thrilling experience as runners navigate through 95% trail terrain, climbing steep hills, crossing creeks, and immersing themselves in nature's beauty.

Participants can register on race day from 8:00 to 8:45 AM for $40 (5K) or $50 (7.45-mile), and all registered runners will receive a race packet including a bib, shirt, and pins. While you enjoy the run, keep an eye out for local wildlife that may join the adventure! With no time limits and a focus on fun, this event is perfect for runners of all levels. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with nature and fellow running enthusiastsβ€”mark your calendar and prepare for a memorable day in the wild!

Organiser's Description

46TH ANNUAL WILD WILD WILDERNESS EST. 1981



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

AM.
COST: $40 (5K) OR $50 (7.45 MILE) PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO KRR.
RACE DAY REGISTRATION DOES NOT INCLUDE A RACE SHIRT OR SWEATSHIRT.



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: 9:15

7.45 MILE: 9:00



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. $2.80 Fee & Unisex Shirt / Ladies Shirt

    Sat 12th September 2026 (9:15AM CDT)

    $32.80

    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 Shirt

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

    $43.40

    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.

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Location

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

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Sep 12, 2026

$32.80 - $43.40