The Forge Trail Run Festival

The Forge Trail Run Festival 
4 Mile(ish) / 10K / 20K (Half Marathon) / 30K 
Saturday, November 2, 2024
@ The Forge: Lemont Quarries

9:00 AM

Race and Course Information

The Forge Trail Run Festival will embrace the adventure and challenge of late-fall, mid-west trail running with a 4 Mile(ish), 10K, 20K, and 30K 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 4 Mile and 10K will be one lap, the 20K (Half Marathon) will be two laps and the 30K will be a three lap course.  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 courses wind through the single track trails within the woods and some gravel trails throughout The Forge and adjoining trails.

DISTANCE
The short course 4 Mile(ish) and 10K will be one lap, the 20K (Half Marathon) will be two laps and the 30K will be a three lap course. 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 are planning to go green with the race to limit environmental impact.  This means the aid stations may not use paper cups, etc.  Please plan on carrying your own hydration and fuel and bottles to refill.

Course Map

Registration

Entry Fees: 4 Mile(ish) = $45 | 10K = $55 | 20K, 30K = $75

Race Cap is 400

Athlete's Guide

Will be released by October 1.

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.

Parking Map

Forge Park Map

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:

Times and location to be announced by October 1.

Wednesday, October 30 - TBD

Thursday, October 31 (Maybe a costume contest!) - TBD

Friday, November 1: Noon - 4:00 PM, The Forge: Lemont Quarries, 227 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont, Il 60439

Race Day, Saturday, November 2: 7:15 AM - 8:30 AM, The Forge: Lemont Quarries, 227 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont, Il 60439

Swag

We'll be giving out a cool winter hat as our swag.

 Race Day Schedule

7:00 AM –                          Parking Opens
7:15 AM -- 8:30 AM          Race Day Packet Pick-Up & Registration Open
8:30 AM – 8:50 AM          Pre-Race Line-Up
8:50 AM –                          Course Talk / Briefing 
8:55 AM –                          National Anthem
9:00 AM --                          Race Start (Note: Each race May Have Staggered Start Times - TBD)
8:45 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
1st Overall Male and Female Masters (Age 40+)
1st Overall Male and Female Lemont Resident
Mr. and Ms. Mid Pack (Athlete that finishes in the exact middle of the pack in their gender by placement)
1st – 3rd 10-Year Male & Female Age Groups from < 20 – Age 70+ (Example, Male 30-39, Female 40-49, Female <20)

**Age Group and special awards pending field size per event.

Additional awards, prizes and raffles will be offered and announced before the race.

Race Photos & Video

2023 Photos will be posted soon.

Volunteers

Volunteer link will be posted by August 15.

Questions? | Contact:

Dave Fako
Race Director
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
e-mail: forgeraces@gmail.com