Autumn Leaf Run

The Autumn Leaf Run is a 5K trail race at Oakdale Nature Preserve in Freeport, Illinois, with runners starting and finishing near the same area. It is open to runners of all abilities, walkers, all ages, and people who simply want a race-day excuse to spend time in the preserve. The event uses chip timing, so it still feels like a real race even though the field is broad and welcoming. The course loops through Oakdale Nature Preserve on wide tree-lined trails, prairie sections, moderate hills, bridge crossings, and several stretches of single track. That mix gives the race more variety than a flat park path without turning it into a technical trail challenge. All proceeds go to the Freeport Parks Foundation and help fund future projects at Oakdale Nature Preserve Park.