The Forge Trail Run Festival
November 14, 2026
Lemont, IL 60439 US
Race and Course Information
The Forge Trail Run Festival will embrace the adventure and challenge of late-fall, mid-west trail running with 10K, 20K, 30K, and 60K events. The races will be run on single/double-track trails in The Forge and adjoining trails, within the woods and on some gravel around the historic Lemont Quarries and I&M Canal. The courses will start and finish within the Forge. The courses wind through the single and double track trails within the woods and some gravel trails around the historic Lemont Quarries and I&M Canal throughout the Forge and adjoining trails. The 10K will be one lap, the 20K (Half Marathon) will be two laps and the 30K will be a three lap course. Our newest offering - the 60K - will be six laps. Total mileage may not be precise, but will be close to the promoted distances. This is a trail race and we want the natural terrain and flow to guide the course and distance. The gravel trails are flat. The single-track sections have variable terrain and surfaces ranging from dirt, grass, rocks, mud, more rocks, roots, mulch, stumps, critters, etc. A few sections are technical with several short but steep inclines and downhills. The defining character and primary challenge of the course is the variable surface. There are not any significant elevation changes. We would rate this course as moderately challenging for experienced trail runners and more difficult for runners with less experience on trail.
Course Information
The courses will begin and end in The Forge. The 60K will have a separate early start. The 10K, 20K, 30K will start together at 8:45 AM. The courses wind through the single track trails within the woods and some gravel trails throughout The Forge and adjoining trails.
DISTANCE
- The 10K will be one lap.
- The 20K (Half Marathon) will be two laps.
- The 30K will be a three lap course.
- The 60K will be six laps.
TERRAIN
The gravel trails are flat. The single-track sections have variable terrain and surfaces ranging from dirt, grass, rocks, mud, more rocks, roots, mulch, stumps, critters, etc. A few sections of the single-track are technical with several short but steep inclines and downhills.
DIFFICULTY RATING
The defining character and primary challenge of the course is the variable surface. There are not any significant elevation changes. We would rate this course as moderately challenging for experienced trail runners and more difficult for runners with less experience on trail. Trail running shoes are recommended.
AID & FUEL STATIONS
We will have a staffed aid station at ~ Mile 6.2 as the 20K and 30K and 60K begin their 2nd and 3rd and 6th laps. There will not be an aid station on the 10K. Plan to carry your own hydration and fuel... and to try to limit the use of cups please try to carry your own hydration and fuel and bottles to refill.
Race Day Schedule
- 6:45 AM – Parking Opens
- 7:00 AM -- 8:30 AM Race Day Packet Pick-Up & Registration Open
- 7:45 AM – 60K Ultramarathon Race Start
- 8:30 AM -- Pre-Race Line-Up
- 8:45 AM -- 10K / 20K / 30K Race Start
- 9:45 AM -- Post Race Food / Beverage Available
- *Awards Ceremonies will be rolling as each event is completed.
Packet Pick-Up
- Friday, November 14, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM at Pollyanna Brewing, 431 Talcott Ave., Lemont, IL 60439
- Saturday, November 15, 7:15 AM – 8:30 AM at The Forge: Lemont Quarries, 227 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont, IL 60439
Race Location
227 Heritage Quarries Dr. Lemont, IL 60439 US
Awards
1st – 3rd Overall Male and Female in each race (10K, 20K, 30K, 60K). Raffles will be offered by various sponsors. Additional awards, prizes and raffles will be offered and announced before the race.
