The Forge Half Marathon & Quarter Marathon
Sat, March 14, 2026, 9:00am
Woods, dirt, mud, roots, and maybe some other adventurous trail stuff will be experienced at the 5th annual Muddy Shamrock Trail Races @ The Forge. And now that we’ve earned the 4th leaf in our clover, the race is now named the MUDDY SHAMROCK!
This early-season trail race will be run on wooded single & 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.
Registration
Tier 1 (Until July 4, 2025) = $60 (Half) / $45 (Quarter)
Tier 2 (July 5, 2025 – October 15, 2025) = $65 (Half) / $50 (Quarter)
Tier 3 (October 16, 2025 – January 31, 2026) = $75 (Half) / $60 (Quarter)
Tier 4 (February 1 – March 14 (Race Day), 2026) = $85 (Half) / $65 (Quarter)
Race entry fees include: entry to the race, chip-timed results w/live splits, earned overall and age group awards, Muddy Shamrock T-Shirt, post-race party with food, beer, music, and all-around fun.
Packet Pick-Up
Your packet will include a bib with a timing tag, swag (first 200 registered), 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. Â Please note we will only accept online credit card payments for these registrations. Â We’ll have a computer set up or you may use your phone to register onsite.
Wednesday, March 11, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Naperville Running Company  34 W. Jefferson Ave.  Naperville, IL 60540
Friday, March 13, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Pollyanna Brewing, 431 Talcott Ave., Lemont, IL 60439
Race Day
Saturday, March 14Â Â 7:00 AM – 8:45 AM
The Forge: Lemont Quarries   227 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont, Il 60439
Course Information
The course traverses the single and double-track MTB trails within the woods and some gravel trails throughout the Forge and adjoining trail systems. 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 close to 13.1 +/- miles for the Half Marathon and approximately 6.6 +/- 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/double-track sections have variable terrain and surfaces ranging from dirt, grass, rocks, mud, more rocks, roots, stumps, Sasquatch, etc. A few spots are technical with several short but steep inclines and downhills.
Trail running shoes are recommended.
Aid / Hydration Station: There will be one aid station with water and sports drinks located at the beginning of the second lap for the half. Please plan on carrying your own hydration and fuel. We aim to limit or go cupless for the 2025 event.
Course Map
Race Day Schedule
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
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 common start and finish line.
Awards & Results
Awards
1st – 3rd Overall Male and Female
1st – 3rd 10-Year Male & Female Age Groups from
- < 20 through Age 70+
- (Examples: Male 30-39, Female 40-49, Female <20)
1st Place – Masters (40+) Male and Female
1st Place – Mr. & Ms. Mid-Pack
Additional awards, prizes, and raffles will be offered and announced before the race!
