Kennekuk Road Runners - Wild Wild Wilderness

🏃‍♀️ 45th Annual Wild Wild Wilderness Est. 1981

Saturday, September 13, 2025 @ 9:00 a.m.

👩‍🏫 Race Director

• Name: Adrianne Thompson
• Co-Director: Jennifer White

🎉 From the RD

This race is more than just a competition: it is a celebration of our community’s spirit and resilience. Whether you are a seasoned runner or a first-time participant, your presence adds to the rich tapestry of our race’s history.

🏆 Final Grand Slam Event #4

This is the last event needed to complete the Grand Slam. An awesome award will be presented to everyone who finishes these great Kennekuk Events in 2024. Siberian Express, Mountain Goat, Lake Mingo Trail Run, and Wild Wild Wilderness. Awards will be presented at the Wild Wild Wilderness race.

📍 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.

🏞️ Course

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 deer and other wildlife. This is a scenic and challenging run.

📏 Course Marking

The course is marked well with the park's signs as well as pink confidence ribbons and Yellow Kennekuk Road Runner Flags along the way.

🥤 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.

📝 Online Registration Dates

Open till September 12.

💰 Online Registration Fee

SIGN UP BEFORE THE PRICE INCREASES ON AUGUST 8, 2024.

🌟 Race Day Registration

Available from 8:00 am to 8:45 am (cash or check). The cost is $40 for the 5k, $45 for the 12K, and $55 for both. Race day registration does not include the race t-shirt/tank.

👕 T-shirt Cutoff Date

TBD. You must register online by this date to order a shirt/sweatshirt. There may be a small selection of shirts/tanks available for purchase at a cost of $20 at the after party, but there are no guarantees.

📦 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 at the Meadowlawn Shelter.

⏳ Time Limit

None.

🕒 Race Time

9:00 am for the 5K and 9:50 for the 12K (7.45 mile).

🚫 Regulations

No bandits, radios, strollers, or dogs allowed. No shirts or awards will be mailed. No refunds or bib transfers. You must be present to win any drawings at the post race party. Special Thanks: Please join us in thanking the Kickapoo State Recreation Area Staff, all of our dedicated volunteers, and loyal sponsors.

🎊 Post Race Party

Immediately following the race, the party will be on the lawn at the Meadow Shelter. KRR will provide pulled pork and chicken, chips, cookies, sodas, and water and Riggs Keg Beer. This meal is free of charge for runners and volunteers.

🏕️ Camping

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: Kickapoo State Recreation Area or call 217-442-4915.

🔗 Registration Link

Register for the race here.