Chicagoland night MTB races and , trail runs

Forge Fest Night Races

Forge Fest Races

Fri, July 14th, 2023, 6:00pm

We’re kicking off our Forge Fest weekend with unique night trail runs and an MTB race on our single track trails. Grab your headlamps or a glow stick and join us for cool evening races during The Forge’s birthday festival that includes live music, activities, and fireworks. Athletes will simply pay one universal entry fee to run, bike or make it a brick workout by doing both in one evening. 

 

Throughout the weekend additional competitions for climbing, paddling, archery, axe throwing, and more, all included with Climb & Zipline Adventures and Explorer Day Passes. Click here for information on Forge Fest

 

After the races hang out at the quarry shelf for drinks, food, fun, firepits and enjoy the views of our towers and the night sky.

Details

Date:
Fri, July 14th, 2023, 6:00pm
Tier 1:
$45 (until July 13th)
Tier 2:
$50 (until Race Day)

Schedule

4:00 PM
 - 8:00 PM
Packet Pick-Up at Race HQ
6:00 PM
MTB 15k Race Start
8:15 PM
Night Trail 5k & 10k Races Start
All athletes and spectators are encouraged to stay at The Forge after the races for food and beverage. Food and beverage will be available for purchase and the activities at The Forge will be open during operating hours.

Race Descriptions

Twilight MTB Race (~15K)

6:00 PM

Twilight MTB Race (~15K)

The MTB race will ride through the gravel and single track trails with variable terrain throughout The Forge and adjoining trails. The final distance of the course will be in the 15K +/- range as a 3-loop course with a mass start.

Night Trail Run (5K)

8:15 PM

Night Trail Run (5K)

Prepare to get the headlamps out and race on our gravel and single track trails within the woods in the 5K (1 lap). Experience a great mix of challenges and scenery throughout our trail system while running in a unique night trail run format. The course will start and finish at Race HQ, with runners experiencing a mix of flat gravel trails and variable terrain single track trails with dirt, rocks, roots and maybe some mud.

Night Trail Run (10K)

8:15 PM

Night Trail Run (10K)

Prepare to get the headlamps out and race on our gravel and single track trails within the woods in the 10K (2 laps). Experience a great mix of challenges and scenery throughout our trail system while running in a unique night trail run format. The course will start and finish at Race HQ, with runners experiencing a mix of flat gravel trails and variable terrain single track trails with dirt, rocks, roots and maybe some mud.

BIKE + RUN

6:00 PM & 8:15 PM

BIKE + RUN

Because the universal fee of The Forge Fest Races, you can opt to do both the 15K MTB race and then continue to run and compete in either the 5K or 10K Night Trail Runs.

 

Tip for Multisport Athletes: Do this as a nighttime brick workout in preparation for our Off-Road Triathlon the following weekend on July 22!

How Does It Work?

  • Register: Register online before race day or on-site during Packet Pick-Up times.  You only need to register once.  Your registration is universal and includes access to both the MTB race and trail runs.
  • Pick Up: Pick up your packet (bib # and t-shirt) at Race HQ during scheduled PPU times before the first event you want to do. Your bib number / timing chip is for both races so be sure to keep it.
  • Get to the Start Line (On Time): Arrive at the start line for each event that you want to do at least 30 minutes before the start time.  
  • Ready, Set, Go!: Each race will start at the designated time.
  • Stay to Party: Don't skip out on our after party!

Course Maps

  • MTB Race = 3 Laps
  • 10K Trail Run = 2 Laps
  • 5K Trail Run = 1 Lap

View the course maps here.

Registration

Entry Fees:

Tier 1 (Until Thursday,  July 13) = $45

Tier 2 (Friday, July 14 - Race Day) = $50

 

Includes: 

  • access to any Forge Fest Night Race: MTB and Trail Run(s)
  • electronically timed results for the trail run and MTB events
  • earned 1st - 3rd overall male and female awards for each race
  • a cool Forge Fest t-shirt

Athlete's Guide

coming soon

Directions

Use these directions to The Forge for PPU and Race Day.

Parking

On Race Day, we encourage carpooling.  The Forge has adequate parking, but the race staff, volunteers, spectators and Forge Fest activities will maximize the use of our parking lots. Please follow signs and volunteers directing you to parking. Athletes can also park in the lots on the north side of the I&M Canal, which are a short distance to Race HQ, or use the remote parking as directed. The remote lots will have shuttles available to the main park entrance. We recommend local residents walk or bike to the event. 

 

Please take this into account so that you are able to make it to the start line on time.

 

Parking Map

Race Headquarters / Start & Finish Line

The Friday Night Trail Runs and MTB Races will be based at the Race Headquarters (HQ) located in the campground located directly adjacent to Parking Lot #2. This is on the north side of the I&M Canal across the bridge from the east end of The Forge / Zipline landing area. 

 

This area will be for packet pick-up, the common start / finish line and awards area for all races. Look for the cleared area and shipping container. 

   

Park Map

Packet Pick-Up & Registration

Packet Pick-Up and On-Site Registration will be available only on race day at the following:

 

Friday, July 14th

Race Night

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

(MTB Race Starts at 6:00 PM, 5k/10K Run Start at 8:15 PM)

The Forge: Lemont Quarries

1001 Main St.

Lemont, IL 60439

Race Headquarters, adjacent to Parking Lot #2

 

Use These Directions

Park Map: https://forgeparks.com/plan-your-visit/park-map/

 

Registration will be available on race day.

Results

2023 Results coming soon

Awards

Awards will be the following in each Trail Run and Cycling event:

  • 1st – 3rd Overall Male and Female

Awards will be available for pick-up at race HQ after the race is completed and results are finalized.

Race Photos & Video

coming soon

Volunteering

Interested in volunteering? We would love to have you!

 

sign-up coming soon

 

Sponsors and Partners

For Sponsorship and Partnership information, please contact Brad Donati

Questions? | Contact:

The Forge: Lemont Quarries

Schedule a call with us

Email us at [email protected] for a response within 48 hours

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