Events
The Forge Fat Tire Bike Race - Long Course
The Forge Fat Tire Bike Race - Short Course
F^3 Forge 10K Winter Trail Run
Fat Bike + F^3 10K Winter Trail Run
Description
The Forge Fat Tire Race & F^3 Forge 10K Trail Run
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Bring on the adventure of winter of racing and biking at the 3rd Annual Fat Tire Bike Race, alongside the return of the 4th F^3 Forge 10K Trail Run.
The race is set to occur on the presumably snow-covered gravel and mountain bike trails throughout The Forge, including Lemont Quarries, the adjacent Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, and the I & M Canal trails. The bicycle race will feature a long course of approximately 20K and a short course estimated at 10K, allowing riders of varying skill levels to choose the event that suits them best.
After the bikers have conquered the trails, the F^3 10K trail runners will seize their opportunity on the trails.
Location
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
227 Heritage Quarries Drive
Lemont, IL 60439
The Forge: Lemont Quarries is a state-of-the-art adventure park designed to deliver unique year-round activities for adventurers of all ages and abilities.
Featuring a versatile and wide-ranging mix of recreational activities set among a reclaimed natural landscape, the park offers an escape to tranquil and interactive green space where guests can test their personal boundaries while engaging with a passionate community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
Race Information
As a winter event, we anticipate the trails will be covered in snow. As we know all too well in the Chicago area, we cannot predict or control the weather, and winters around here can be variable and gnarly. The event will proceed in all weather conditions unless it is unsafe.
The trails will be set for winter fat tire riding, and we’ll ride even if the snow conditions are less than ideal. This is an open-class race and there are no restrictions on the specific bike tire size allowed. Riders are free to choose different equipment based on the conditions of the course, but those not riding fat tire bikes (3.5 inches or more) will be ineligible for awards. E-bikes are not allowed.
Course
The Fat Tire and Trail run courses will be common and developed based on both trail and weather conditions. The courses will traverse the wide gravel paths, MTB single track trails throughout the Forge and adjoining trails. The Fat Tire long course will be two laps and approximately 20K, while the short course will probably be one lap and approximately 10K. The Trail run will be the same 10K lap.
The main gravel trails are mostly flat with a few small hills, wooden bridge crossings, etc. The MTB single-track trails will have more variability in the terrain and surface conditions.
Preliminary Course Map (*subject to change based on weather and trail conditions): F^3 Fat Tire Race & 10K Trail Run Course Map
Course subject to change based on trail and weather conditions.
Directions and Parking
Use these directions for parking: https://forgeparks.com/plan-your-visit/hours-directions/#directions
Parking
Use Lots 1 or 2 after the 2nd stop sign on the gravel road. They are the closest to the bridges to enter The Forge, packet pick-up, and the common start and finish line.
Please see our Park Map here: https://forgeparks.com/plan-your-visit/park-map/
Packet Pick-Up & Race Day Schedule
Packet Pick-Up
We will accept registrations at packet pick-up on race day. Please note we will only accept credit card payments for these registrations.
Race Day
Sunday, January 12
8:00 - 8:45 AM (Fat Tire)
8:00 am - 11:00 AM for the Trail Run
@ The Forge: Lemont Quarries
Race Day Schedule (Preliminary)
7:45 AM – Parking Opens (follow roadside signs)
Park in Lots 1 or 2, then cross the bridge and head to the east side of the park (by the zipline landing, The Mount, and The Foundry).
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM (Fat Tire) / 11:00 AM (Run) – Race Day Packet Pick-Up & Registration
8:45 AM – Course-Talk / Briefing
8:50 AM – Pre-Race Line-Up
9:00 AM – Fat Tire Race Start
11:11 AM - Trail Run Start
Awards & Finisher Medals
Each finisher in the bike races will get a metal F^3 token/medallion! Each finisher in the Trail Run will receive a wooden medal!
Awards will be the following:
Any bike and tire size may be ridden in the race, but awards will be limited to those riding Fat Tires of 3.5 inches or larger.
1st Overall Male and Female in each race. Additional awards, prizes, and raffles will be offered and announced before the race.
SWAG
Every biker and every runner gets a pair of Chicago-themed F^3 mittens. The mittens are fleece-lined and super comfy. If you sign up for both the bike and the run, we will throw in an extra little bonus gift.
Volunteering
Interested in volunteering? We would love to have you!
You can use the Race Contact Info section below to start a conversation about volunteering.
Sponsors & Partners
For Sponsor and Partnership Information Contact:
Dave Fako
Race Director
708-705-67910
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Lemont/TheForgeFatTire.
Place
227 Heritage Quarries Drive
Lemont, IL 60439
Directions
The Forge Lemont Quarries
227 Heritage Quarries Drive
Lemont, IL 60439
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