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CHICAGO TRAIL RUNNING FESTIVAL

Sat September 12, 2026
Beecher, IL 60401 US Directions

Events

5K

Price: $50
Time: 7:30AM CDT

150 spots left. Price increases after August 13, 2026 at 11:59pm CDT

10K

Price: $60
Time: 7:15AM CDT

80 spots left. Price increases after August 13, 2026 at 11:59pm CDT

10K RUCK

Price: $65
Time: 7:15AM CDT

20 spots left. Price increases after August 13, 2026 at 11:59pm CDT

20K

Price: $80
Time: 7:15AM CDT

50 spots left. Price increases after August 13, 2026 at 11:59pm CDT

30K

Price: $95
Time: 7:15AM CDT

25 spots left. Price increases after August 13, 2026 at 11:59pm CDT

50K

Price: $120
Time: 7:30AM CDT

25 spots left. Price increases after August 13, 2026 at 11:59pm CDT

Race Website

Additional race information can be found at https://www.texasoutlawrunning.com/policies.

Place

27064 Dutton Rd
Beecher, IL US 60401

Description

What Is a Trail Running Festival ?

Trail Running Festival is a one day trail running celebration bringing a few distances to some of the most iconic cities trail systems in the country - around a 5K, 10K, 25K, and 50K, all on the same course network, all on the same day.


This isn't a road race with a cone and a finish line. Every course is trail-built - natural terrain, elevation, dirt underfoot, and conditions that change by city. Some courses will occasionally touch gravel or pavement, but this is trail running at its core. Whether you're running your first trail 5K or tackling a 50K, you're out there on real trail, in a real race, surrounded by a community that showed up to do the same thing you did.


Pick your distance. Toe the line. Run or Hike it.

 

What You Earn:

​All participants receive an Trail Running Festival Soft T-Shirt and Finisher Medal.

50K Finishers will earn a 50K Trail Running Festival Finisher Medal.

Ruck Finishers earn a Trail Running Festival RUCK Patch

Top male and female with the fastest times of each distance win a 1st Place award. 

Last place of the 50K earns the DFL "Dead Freakin' Last" award.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to run?
No, and on trail, not everyone does. Trail running is as much hiking as it is running and that's part of the sport. Move however your body moves. Run the flats, hike the climbs, walk the technical sections. Every finisher earns their medal.

Are the distances exact?
Every city has different terrain, so actual course distance may vary slightly by location. We'll always publish the exact course distance and elevation for each city ahead of race day.

What's the ruck weight requirement?
- If you weigh more than 150 lbs = 30 lb. Ruck
- If you weigh less than 150 lbs = 20 lb. Ruck
- Ruck sack or vest allowed

Are there aid stations?
Yes. Aid stations are stocked with water, hydration, and snacks at key points on the course. This is a cupless event, bring your own bottle or hydration system. Longer distances will have more frequent aid station coverage.

What should I bring?
Trail shoes, hydration system, layers (weather dependent), fuel, and grit.

Can I set up a tent or crew station?
Yes. Crew and spectator access will be available. You can bring your own setup and come ready to support your runner.

Is this for beginners?
Yes. We welcome runners of all experience levels. With distances ranging from 5K to 50K, there's a challenge for everyone, from first-time trail runners to seasoned veterans.

How do I win?
Cross the finish line with the fastest time in your gender and distance category. 

 

Rules

  • Park in designated parking spaces only
  • All participants who drop early/quit must let the race director know at the start/finish line
  • Water carrying system required for all events, this us a cupless race and we don't serve cups
  • No Littering
  • No Cutting Course

 

More Information/Policies/FAQ

For Policies regarding event communication, refunds/credits, discounts, ensuring race shirts/swag, lower entry prices, and changing distance, visit our Policies Page.

For other questions, please make sure to look at our Frequently Asked Questions page before contacting us. If the answer is on that page, we may not respond. You can contact us by visiting our website. 

Chicago Details

Chicago Trail Running Festival is held at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve (27064 Dutton Rd, Beecher, IL 60401) and will start around 7AM. 

 

Friday Schedule 

4-6PM Early Packet Pickup at the Preserve

 

Saturday Schedule 

6-7AM Packet Pickup

7AM 50K Starts

7:15AM 10K's, 20K, 30K Starts

7:30AM 5K Starts

 

Parking Pass & Camping

No day pass required at this venue.

For camping information at the reserve, Click Here

 

Exact Location for Parking & Start/Finish - Google PIN

 

Course Overview
- Surface: Wide trail with a mix of grass, dirt, crushed gravel, and some pavement. 
- Course: Scout, Oak Ridge, Plum Creek and Snapper Pond Loop 
- Elevation: Slightly Hilly showing 170ft elevation gain per 6 mile loop.
- Location: Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve (27064 Dutton Rd, Beecher, IL 60401)
- Weather: Historic Average shows 53°F - 80°F degrees
- No Cup Race: We don't serve cups, please make sure to bring your own water-carrying system!
- Pacer: No Pacers

 

Looped Course, with 10K loops. 5K follow unique loop.

Course Map Link - https://www.strava.com/routes/3502708163972492234

5K Course Map Link - Coming Soon

 

Aid Stations

Water Station at Mile 1.3/5.3 - 1 Water Station (Water Only) on the entire course. 

Main Aid Station at mile 0/6 with Hydration and Food

 

Price Increases

Early Bird (through June 12)
Standard (June 13 through Aug 13)
Late Registration (Aug 14 through Sep 10)
Race Weekend (Sep 11 through Sep 12, if spots remain)

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Directions

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