Today's Hours
It's back! Kick off the new year and bring on the adventure of winter racing and riding for the 3rd Annual Fat Tire Race, and returning this year the 3rd F^3 Forge 10K Trail Run on the (hopefully) snow-covered trails at The Forge: Lemont Quarries and adjoining trails! A long and short course option will be available so riders of all abilities can choose the event best for them. The race will take place on the hopefully snow-covered gravel and MTB trails throughout The Forge: Lemont Quarries, adjoining Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, and I&M Canal trails. The bike will be an approximately 20K long course race and an approximated 10K, short course race. The F^3 10K trail run will follow.
For more information regarding the course, swag bag, directions, packet pick-up, race schedule, awards, results, volunteering, and sign-up visit the Race Sign Up page here.
Bring on the adventure of winter racing and riding for the 3rd Annual Fat Tire Race, and returning this year the 3rd F^3 Forge 10K Trail Run on the (hopefully) snow-covered trails at The Forge: Lemont Quarries and adjoining trails! A long and short course option will be available so riders of all abilities can choose the event best for them. The race will take place on the hopefully snow-covered gravel and MTB trails throughout The Forge: Lemont Quarries, adjoining Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, and I&M Canal trails. The bike will be an approximately 20K long course race and an approximated 10K, short course race. The F^3 10K trail run will follow.
As a winter event, we anticipate the trails will be covered in snow. As we know all too well in the Chicago area, we cannot predict or control the weather, and winters around here can be variable and gnarly. The event will proceed in all weather conditions unless it is unsafe.
The trails will be set for winter fat tire riding, and we’ll ride even if the snow conditions are less than ideal. This is an open class race and there are no restrictions on the specific bike tire size allowed. Riders are free to choose different equipment based on the conditions of the course, but those not riding fat tire bikes (3.5 inches or more) will be ineligible for awards. E-bikes are not allowed.
The Fat Tire and Trail run courses will be common and developed based on both trail and weather conditions. The courses will traverse the wide gravel paths, MTB single track trails throughout the Forge and adjoining trails. The Fat Tire long course will be two laps and approximately 20K, while the short course will probably be one lap and approximately 10K. The Trail run will be the same 10K lap.
The main gravel trails are mostly flat with a few small hills, wooden bridge crossings, etc. The MTB single track trails will have more variability in the terrain and surface conditions.
2025 Course Map (Subject to Change Based on Weather and Trail Conditions): 2025 Course Map
Entry Fees:
Registration fee includes:
Click here to register.
coming soon
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: Lemont Quarries, packet pick-up, and the common start and finish line.
Please see our Park Map here.
We will accept registrations at packet pick-up on Friday, January 3 (see details below) and on race day. Please note we will only accept credit card payments for these registrations.
Friday, January 3
3:30 - 6:00 PM
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
At The Foundry, the food and beverage location, on the east side of the Park, across the bridge near the zip line landing (opposite side of the Towers)
Race Day
Saturday, January 4
8:30 - 9:30 AM
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
At The Foundry, the food and beverage location, on the east side of the Park, across the bridge near the zip line landing (opposite side of the Towers)
7:45 AM – Parking Opens (follow roadside signs) Park in Lots 1 or 2, then cross the bridge and head to the east side of the park (by the zipline landing, The Mount and The Foundry).
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM (Fat Tire) / 11:00 AM (Run) – Race Day Packet Pick-Up & Registration
8:45 AM – Course-Talk / Briefing
8:50 AM – Pre-Race Line-Up
9:00 AM – Fat Tire Race Start
11:11 AM - Trail Run Start
Each finisher in the bike races will get a metal F^3 token/medallion! Each finisher in the Trail Run will receive a wooden medal!
Awards will be the following:
Any bike and tire size may be ridden in the race, but awards will be limited to those riding Fat Tires of 3.5 inches or larger.
1st Overall Male and Female in each race. Additional awards, prizes and raffles will be offered and announced before the race.
Interested in volunteering? We would love to have you!
