Events
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Lemont/TheForgeTrailRunFestival.
Place
Lemont, IL US 60439
Description
The Forge Trail Run Festival
10K / 20K (Half Marathon) / 30K / 60K
Saturday, November 15, 2025
@ The Forge: Lemont Quarries
9:00 AM
RACE REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY 11/14 AT 10:00 PM.
REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE UNTIL 10 PM FRIDAY 11/14 AND AT PACKET PICK-UP AT POLLYANNA BREWERY IN LEMONT ON FRIDAY FROM 4:30 TO 6:30 PM.
RACE DAY REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.
Race and Course Information
The Forge Trail Run Festival will embrace the adventure and challenge of late-fall, mid-west trail running with a 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 have a common start / finish line 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 at a common start / finish line in The Forge. The 60K will have a separate early start. The 10K, 20K, 30K will start together at 9am. 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. This is a trail race and we want the natural terrain and flow to guide the course and distance. Total mileage may not be precise, but will be close to the promoted distances.
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.
10K/20K/30K/60K Course Map
Registration
Entry Fees: 10K = $55 | 20K, 30K = $75 | 60K = $85
Race Cap is 400
Athlete's Guide
Directions
Use these directions to the Forge.
Map / Google Address is: 227 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont, IL 60439
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 start and finish line area.
Important Parking Info:
On race day, we encourage carpooling. The Forge has adequate parking, but the race field, volunteers and spectators will maximize the use of our parking lots. Please follow signs directing you to parking. Athletes will park in the lots on the north side of the I&M Canal, which is a short walk across the bridges to The Forge.
The shuttle system at the Metra Station will not be available on race day.
Packet Pick-Up:
Friday, November 14
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Pollyanna Brewing
431 Talcott Ave., Lemont, IL 60439
Race Day
Saturday, November 15
7:15 AM – 8:30 AM
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
227 Heritage Quarries Dr,.
Lemont, IL 60439
Swag
We'll be giving a hat as our swag. 60K finishers will get a special finisher's award. Tote bags will be given to all finishers too!
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 – 8:50 AM Pre-Race Line-Up
8:50 AM – Course Talk / Briefing
9:00 AM -- 10K / 20K / 30K Race Start
9:45 AM - Post Race Food / Beverage Available
*Awards Ceremonies will be rolling as each event is completed.
Results
Results 2022 (4 Mile Only), 2023, and 2024
Awards
Awards will be the following:
1st – 3rd Overall Male and Female in each race (10K, 20K, 30K, 60K)
Tote bag for all finishers
Raffles donated by Naperville Running Company and F^3 Events
Additional awards, prizes and raffles will be offered and announced before the race.
Race Photos & Video
dansvobodaphotography.pixieset.com/forgetrailrace
Volunteers
Volunteer link: https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/IL/Lemont/TheForgeTrailRunFestival
Questions? | Contact:
Dave Fako
Race Director
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
e-mail: forgeraces@gmail.com
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Directions
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