Information
The Forge Gravel Triathlon is a unique short course, multi-sport event that offers an exhilarating, adventurous experience for triathletes of all abilities, from beginners to professionals. The course takes place in The Forge: Lemont Quarries, with a swim in the Forge Quarry and the bike and run on the trails in the Park and the adjoining trails, all located adjacent to historic downtown Lemont. Athletes and spectators will enjoy exclusive views of The Forge’s exhilarating attractions and natural ecosystem, which includes the historic I&M Canal and multiple quarry lakes.
USAT: The 2024 race was a USA Triathlon-sanctioned event and is on the USAT Gravel Triathlon Series. This will impact some rules that we have to implement. USAT Membership: As a USAT-sanctioned event and part of the Gravel Series, all registrants must hold an annual USAT license or purchase a one-day pass. This process is integrated with your registration.
Duathlon = Run + Bike + Run Format
Relay Option = 2 or 3 Person Relay, any combination of gender.
USAT Gravel Series
USA Triathlon Sanctioned Event
The term 'USA Triathlon Sanctioned' indicates that the race director (RD) has completed a thorough review of an event's safety. The swim, bike, and run courses have been well-planned, and the race director has evaluated and planned for medical, emergency, safety, and volunteer support. The event will be conducted according to the USA Triathlon Competitive Rules.
Registration
Entry Fees:
Tier 1 (Until February 28, 2025)
Tri, DU $80 | Relay 2-Person $150 | Relay 3-Person $225
Tier 2 (March 1, 2025 - May 15, 2025)
Tri, DU $95 | Relay 2-Person $160 | Relay 3-Person $240
Tier 3 (May 16, 2025 - July 20, 2025)
Tri, DU $105 | Relay 2-Person $170 | Relay 3-Person $255)
Tier 4 (July 21, 2025 - August 12, 2025)
Tri, DU $115 | Relay 2-Person $180 | Relay 3-Person $270)
Race Cap is 350
Relay Registration: 1st Team Member / Captain creates the team, pays the full relay team fee, then the other team members register, joining that team.
USAT Membership: As a USAT-sanctioned event and part of the USAT Gravel Series, all registrants must hold an annual USAT license or purchase a one-day pass. This process is integrated with your registration.
Elite Wave (Triathlon): We are offering an elite wave that will start as a mass deep water start - male and female combined. Those starting in this wave will be timed on gun time and eligible for top three overall awards and prize money. You must start in this wave to be eligible for top three overall and prize money. To be eligible for this wave please select it in the questions during registration.
Includes:
- Chronotrack tri-tag chip timed results with swim, bike, run and T1 / T2 splits
earned overall and age group awards - A cool lightweight hoodie.
- Post-race party with a DJ, food, beer, and other beverages
TBD if registration will be available at packet pick-up and race day if the event is not sold out.
Training
Open Water Swim Class Training.
Dates TBD
Details below.
Join Coach Liz Waterstraat / Multisport Mastery for an open water swim class at The Forge in Lemont this summer!
Date(s) TBD
The 6:30 am class is suitable for more intermediate/advanced swimmers. We will go through a mix of skills, tactics & an open water swim workout.
The 7:30 am class is designed for those more timid or beginner swimmers. We will work on form, comfort & confidence in the water.
In all classes, Coach Liz is on the dock instructing & observing. Each class is unique. Must be 18 years or older to participate. You do not need to be registered for the Triathlon to participate.
Water temperature is typically 78 to 84 degrees. It the water is below 84, you are permitted to use a wetsuit. For safety reasons, no wetsuits permitted if the water is above 84.
Race Location / Parking
Map Location
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.
Please note that after the race begins, vehicles will not be permitted to enter or exit the park until after the race is complete at approximately 9:30 am. The park access road is part of the bike course and will be closed once the race starts.
Athletes or spectators who may need to leave early should park in the public lots or street parking in downtown Lemont and ride or walk to The Forge, approximately 1 -1 ½ miles.
The shuttle system at the Metra Station will not be available on race day.
Awards
Elie Wave = Mass start, gun time, competing for top 3 overall male / female awards. Ineligible for all other awards.
All Others: Due to the time trial start format, all awards will be based on chip / electronic time.
Awards will be the following:
1st – 3rd Overall Male and Female (Elite Wave Only)
1st Overall Male and Female Masters (Age 40+)
1st Overall Male and Female Lemont Resident
1st Overall Male and Female First Time Triathlete
Mr. and Ms. Mid Pack (Athlete that finishes in the exact middle of the pack in their gender by placement)
1st – 3rd 10-Year Age Groups from 15 - 19 – Age 70+ (Example, Male 30-39, Female 40-49, Female <20)
Cash prizes will be awarded to the 1st - 3rd Overall Males and Females in the Triathlon: Amounts TBD
Duathlon: 1st - 3rd Overall male and female. No special or age group awards.
Relays: 1st - 3rd Overall relay team regardless of team size (2 or 3-person) and gender make-up. All relays compete against each other. have fun!
Additional awards, prizes and raffles will be offered and announced before the race.
Packet Pick-Up
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Naperville Running Company
34 W. Jefferson Ave.
Naperville, IL 60540
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Bee Well Collective
1011 State St., Suite 220
Lemont, IL 60439
(Located in the office building, 2nd Floor)
Noon - 4:00 PM
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
227 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont, Il 60439
5:15 AM - 6:30 AM
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
227 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont, Il 60439
*At the Check-In Tent just after you cross the I&M Canal bridge entering the Park (Near Zip Line Landing)
Race Day Schedule
*Please note we are making minor adjustments to the start times highlighted below.
5:00 AM – Parking Opens
5:15 AM -- Transition and Race Day Packet Pick-Up Open
6:30 AM – Transition Set-Up Closes
6:30 AM – Wave Line-Up Begins. Swim staging by Wave / Bib # on the shelf near the Dock / Creamery. Duathlon staging in transition by the Run OUT area.
6:40 AM – Course Talk / Briefing by the Swim Start Staging Area
6:40 AM – Start Line-Up Ends
6:40 AM – National Anthem
~ 6:45 AM - Duathlon Start at the Transition Run OUT area.
~ 6:50 AM – Elite Triathlon Wave Start (Mass Start, Gun Time)
6:55 AM / 7:00 AM - Age group starts – Time Trial Format
7:10 AM – ~ Last Swimmer Starts
7:45 AM – Anticipated 1st Finisher
8:00 AM - Post Race Food / Beverage Available
9:00 AM -- Awards at the Mount / Stage
~9:15 AM – Anticipated Last Finisher
~9:15 AM – Transition Opens for Exit / Departure
Race Start Time / Waves:
· Elite Triathlon Wave will start at 6:50 AM. Mass deep water start (Gun Time)
· Duathlon will Start at 6:45 AM. Mass start at the Transition Run OUT gate.
· All Other Athletes will start in a Time Trail (TT) format starting after the elite wave and duathlon.
All athletes and spectators are encouraged to stay at The Forge after the race for a post-race celebration. Food and beverage will be available for purchase at The Foundry and the activities at The Forge will be open.
Results & Photos
Results
2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 results are here: Forge Triathlon Results
Race Photos & Video
Athletes’ Guide
Everything you need to know and likely more than you need or want to know is in our:
Any questions? Contact us today!
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Contact Information
Volunteering
Not racing? Sign up here: We love volunteers.
Sponsors and Partners
For Sponsor and Partnership Information Contact: Dave Fako at forgeraces@gmail.com or 708-705-6791
Questions?
Questions about the race? Contact: Dave Fako at forgeraces@gmail.com or 708-705-6791
