Additional race information can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Lemont/TheForgeTrailHalfMarathon.
Woods, dirt, mud, roots, and maybe some other adventurous trail stuff will be experienced at the third annual Forge Trail Half Marathon and Quarter Marathon.
This early season trail race will be run on wooded single-and double-track trails with awesome scenery around the historic Lemont Quarries. Both races will traverse the single track MTB trails within the woods and some gravel trails throughout the Forge and adjoining trail systems.
Tier 1 (Until December 31, 2023) = $60 (Half) / $45 (Quarter)
Tier 2 (January 1 - February 9, 2024) = $70 (Half) / $55 (Quarter)
Tier 3 (February 10 - March 10 (Race Day), 2024) = $80 (Half) / $65 (Quarter)
Race entry fees include: entry to the race, electronically timed results, earned overall and age group awards, TBD swag, post-race party with food, beer, music and all around fun
As an early season event held in March we anticipate variable weather, creating more adventure to the race (and for those of you who were here in 2023 you know what we mean!!!). Athletes will experience a unique trail race with a cool course, awesome scenery and a great venue based at The Forge: Lemont Quarries.
The course traverses the single track MTB trails within the woods and some gravel trails throughout the Forge and adjoining trail systems. The courses will be developed based on trail conditions. The course will have a common start / finish line. Runners will complete 2 laps for the Half Marathon and 1 lap for the Quarter. Total mileage will be approximately 13.1 +/- miles for the Half Marathon and approximately 6.5 +/- miles for the Quarter Marathon, but it is a trail and we don't want to do anything funky to make it a perfect distance.
The gravel is mostly flat. The MTB and single-track sections have variable terrain and surfaces ranging from dirt, grass, rocks, mud, more rocks, roots, stumps, Sasquatch, etc. A few spots featured are technical with several short but steep inclines and downhills.
Trail running shoes are recommended.
Aid stations may be limited. Please plan on carrying your own hydration and fuel.
*Adjustments from the 2023 course are likely.
2023 The Forge Half & Quarter Marathon Athlete Guide
*Athletes' guide will be updated for the 2024 race.
Directions
Use these directions for Packet Pick-Up and Race Day
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.
Park and Parking Map: https://forgeparks.com/plan-your-visit/park-map
Your packet will include a bib with timing tag, swag (TBD), and maybe even more swag!
PPU and Race Day Registration: We will accept registrations at packet pick-up and on race day if the race is not sold out. Please note we will only accept online credit card payments for these registrations. We'll have a computer set up or you may use your phone to register onsite.
PPU Days and time to be announced.
7:00 AM – Parking Opens
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM – Race Day Packet Pick-Up & Registration Open
8:40 AM – 8:50 AM – Pre-Race Line-Up
8:50 AM – Course Talk / Briefing
8:55 AM – National Anthem
9:00 AM – Half & Quarter Marathon Race Start
9:30 AM – Post Race Food / Beverage Available
~10:30 AM – Quarter Marathon Awards Ceremony
~11:15 AM – Half Marathon Awards Ceremony
2023 Half Marathon Award Winners
2023 Quarter Marathon Award Winners
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+ (Examples: Male 30-39, Female 40-49, Female <20)
Additional awards, prizes and raffles will be offered and announced before the race!
Volunteers make races great....Interested in volunteering? Sign up information coming soon.
Interested in partnering with our races. Contact Dave Fako at 708-705-6791 or forgeraces@gmail.com.
Contact Dave Fako at 708-705-6791 or forgeraces@gmail.com.
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