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 REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY 11/1 AT 10:00 PM. 

REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE UNTIL 10 PM FRIDAY 11/1 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 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 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.  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 4.7 Mile(ish) and 10K will be one lap.  Please note that the short course course is longer than 4 miles to make sure the course flows well and is not confusing. 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 will have a staffed aid station at ~ Mile 6.2 as the 20K and 30K begin their 2nd and 3rd laps. There will not be an aid station on the short course or 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 Course Map

Short Course Map (~4.7 Mile)

Registration

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

Race Cap is 400

Athlete's Guide

2024 Athletes 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.

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:

Friday, November 1
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Pollyanna Brewing
431 Talcott Ave., 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 orange winter hat as our swag.  Tote bags will be given to all finishers too!

 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 –                          4 Mile Start (We are starting them separate as they have several unique turns, so avoiding on course confusion)
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 (Short, 10K, 20K, 30K)
Tote bag for all finishers

Raffles donated by Naperville Running Company

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: https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/IL/Lemont/TheForgeTrailRunFestival  

Questions? | Contact:

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