2026 Year in Running

Race 1 – Frozen Gnome 10K

The Frozen Gnome 10K was a muddy, brutal challenge winding through Veteran Acres and Sterne’s Woods in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Organized by Ornery Mule Racing, the event followed days of heavy rainfall, leaving the trails muddy as hell. The race began and ended in a light snowfall, adding to the already harsh conditions. One runner stood at the front of the start line in a playful gnome costume topped with a red cone hat.

The course is rated Triple Black Diamond which means it’s exceptionally difficult. Runners could choose between a 50K ultra or the 10K, with the ultra athletes tackling a grueling 6.2-mile loop five times. Steep climbs and punishing descents defined the terrain. One infamous section, “Butt Slide Hill,” was so steep that runners had to descend while holding onto a rope.

The trail was highly technical, littered with roots, rocks, and fallen trees. Despite the frigid temperatures and relentless difficulty, the course delivered stunning scenery. A family of four deer sprinted across the trail just ten feet in front of me and another runner. Towering pine trees lined much of the route through the woods. As tough as the race was, the camaraderie among runners (common in the trail community) made the experience even more memorable. My brother Brian and I loved the suburban challenge, embracing every muddy mile. “When you sign up for the Frozen Gnome, you’re not committing to a casual run. With two inches of rain just days before and a mix of rain / snow on race day, it fully lived up to its reputation.” – Brian Doellman

DISTANCE: 10K

DATE: January 10, 2026

LOCATION: Crystal Lake, IL

PLACE: 21 out of 248

TEMPERATURE: 37°

TIME: 1:03:03

Race 2 – Lakefront 10 Miler

Chicago Area Runners Association is the largest running community in the city. CARA has more than 10,000 members, and ranks as the third-largest running club in the country. The Lakefront 10 Miler started back in 1978 making it the city’s second oldest race behind the Chicago Marathon. A portion of the event proceeds supports CARA’s mission, including funding hydration stations along the lakefront. These eight stations are open to all trail users throughout the summer months. The mostly flat course winded along scenic Lake Michigan. Bright sun & sandy shores gave the 900 runners an early taste of summer. A strong headwind over several miles made the run especially tough though. The highlight of the race was the climb over Cricket Hill at the end and finish on the Montrose track. I celebrated by downing a shot of pickle juice!

DISTANCE: 10 miles
DATE: April 12, 2026
LOCATION: Chicago, IL
TEMPERATURE: 65-70°
TIME: 1:19:26
PACE: 7:57 min/mi

Race 3 – Fight Hunger 10K

Last year, Donald Trump signed the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” cutting $1 billion from hunger programs. As of May 1st, new requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) put about 150,000 Illinois residents at risk of losing benefits. The Northern Illinois Food Bank supplies pantries across 13 counties in northern Illinois with around 90 million meals distributed. They reach communities across the region through nearly 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and local programs, all working to support neighbors facing food insecurity. Every dollar raised from this event went straight into that network.

My brother Brian and I arrived at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois with two intentions. First, to lend our support to the vital work of the Northern Illinois Food Bank. And second, to challenge ourselves: a sub-50-minute 10K for each of us. The course was two 3.1 mile loops around the grounds. There were 1,589 total participants for the 13th Annual Fight Hunger 10K, 5K, and 1-mile run presented by Aldi. Both Brian and I turned in strong performances, with him falling a mere 30 seconds shy of the mark. We capped off the post-race with the time-honored pairing of a hot dog and a cold beer.

DISTANCE: 10K
DATE: May 2, 2026
LOCATION: Wheaton, IL
TEMPERATURE: 44°
PLACE: 13th out of 288
TIME: 45:46
PACE: 7:22 minute / per mi

Race 4 – Carrera por la Paz 5K

The 6th annual Carrera por la Paz, or Race for Peace, was a community-driven 5K fundraiser hosted by the Little Village Rotary Club. The event was centered around promoting peace and reducing violence by supporting youth programs throughout Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. Six days prior to the event, four teenagers were shot during an after-prom party. And the night before the race two 18-year-old men where shot while riding in a car in the neighborhood. The summer months in Chicago typically see increased shootings and homicides.

The course itself featured two and a half loops around La Villita Park. During the first two laps, runners headed south along the sidewalk toward West 31st Street. While the layout was straightforward, the final lap introduced a slight wrinkle. According to the race website..runners were directed to turn back into the park early to shorten the last loop. For most of the morning, I found myself trying to keep pace with a group of impressive 16 & 17 year old speedsters. On the final half loop, I struck up a conversation with a runner named Yahir. We quickly confirmed to each other that the last loop differed from the previous two. As we approached the finish, we also made a pact to push each other through the final stretch and finish strong. I took first place in the M35-39 age division. It was a beautiful day in Little Village, filled with community spirit, friendly competition, and a reminder of how running can bring people together.

DISTANCE: 5K
DATE: May 30, 2026
LOCATION: Little Village – Chicago, IL
TEMPERATURE: 63°
PLACE: 16th out of 206
TIME: 21:45
PACE: 7:00 minute / per mi

Race 5 – Fulton Market Loop Da Loop 5K

Running a 5K on a Grand Prix bicycle race course isn’t something you get to do every weekend. The Fulton Market Loop Da Loop was hosted by Chicago-based nonprofit cycling team xXx Racing. This was the second edition of the unique race. The course was four laps of the same .77-mile totaling 3.1 miles. Each loop wound through the city’s West Loop streets and beneath the iconic “L” tracks. Once runners crossed the finish line, the course quickly transformed into a high-speed stage for the Fulton Market Grand Prix bicycle races. It was a fun opportunity to experience the same circuit from a runner’s perspective before the cyclists took over. The overall winner was Brandon Mull, a two time U.S. Olympic Trials marathon qualifier. He finished in 15:53, averaging a 5:07 mile pace.

DISTANCE: 5K
DATE: July 26, 2026
LOCATION: Chicago, IL
TEMPERATURE: 75°
PLACE: 25 out of 167
TIME: 21:12
PACE: 6:50 minute / per mile

Race 6 – Des Plaines River Trail Marathon

The 16th edition of the Des Plaines River Trail Half Marathon, Marathon, 50K and 50-Mile races brought runners to the Half Day Forest Preserve in Vernon Hills, Illinois. For me, it marked my sixth marathon and my first ever on a trail. Two days prior to the event, race organizers sent out an email warning runners “underpasses have water, but are passable. You will get wet. Take care in these sections. They are slippery. Prepare for up to thigh deep water.” Than the next day they made the decision to avoid the thigh high water. “We really wanted everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy the full race course. We spent the entire day on course today evaluating conditions and ultimately decided that using our alternate route is the best decision.” So that meant we had to complete four 6.55 mile loops.

This marathon marked a personal milestone: my first 26.2-mile race in my 40s, following a birthday in September. I shared this race experience with my younger brother, Brian, who was competing in his second marathon. Together, we made our way through a course that was as scenic as it was peaceful. The crushed-limestone trail followed a relatively flat route through dense forests with the leaves beginning to turn to their fall colors. I choose to wear a Solomon hydration vest…another first (which led to armpit chafing). But perhaps the most unusual piece of my gear was a Fujifilm 35mm disposable camera. I brought along the camera with exactly 27 exposures. Originally, I wanted to take one photo per mile, but after the course was changed to a loop format, I ended up snapping pictures whenever the opportunity presented itself (see photos below) .

I ate bananas, pb&j sandwitches, Oreos, and granola bars from the aid stations. One of the highlights of the race was encountering an elderly gentleman named Roger near the end of the first mile. Positioned along the course to direct runners at the turnaround, Roger enthusiastically waved and cheered on every participant. His energy and encouragement were a welcome sight and a reminder of how much volunteers contribute to the marathon experience.

Brian and I ran together for the first 20 miles before the heat began to take its toll. With temperatures climbing into the mid-70s, he slowed his pace and encouraged me to continue ahead. From there, I focused on managing my effort and making it to the finish. In the end, I was simply grateful to cross the finish line without experiencing any significant cramping. It was a memorable marathon filled with personal milestones, beautiful scenery, and time spent running alongside my brother. Despite the heat in the closing miles, it was a memorable experience that I’ll look back on fondly.

DISTANCE: 26.2 miles
DATE: October 10, 2026
LOCATION: Lake County, Illinois
TEMPERATURE: 65-75 degrees
TIME: 4:35:16

My favorite quote that I heard this year was: “May our heart carry our feet.”

Posted By

Kevin Doellman