Today's Hours
The Forge Trail Half Marathon & Quarter Marathon is one of the few long-distance races run on trails in the Chicago area. The race will take place on the gravel/crushed limestone and single-track mountain bike trails throughout The Forge: Lemont Quarries Adventure Park and adjoining Heritage Quarries Recreation Area and I&M Canal trails.
Registration Includes:
Entry to the race, electronically timed results, earned overall and age group awards, a cool Forge shirt and post-race party with food, beer, and other beverages.
As an early season event held in March we anticipate variable weather, creating more adventure to the race. Athletes will experience a unique trail race with a cool course, awesome scenery and a great venue based at The Forge: Lemont Quarries.
The Forge Trail Half Marathon and Quarter Marathon 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, but runners can expect a similar course to 2022, with a common start / finish line on the lawn in The Mount area of The Forge. 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.
Tier 1 (First 90 / 50 Registered)
$55 (Half) / $35 (Quarter)
Tier 2 (> 90 - 150 / > 50 - 100)
$65 (Half) / $45 (Quarter)
Tier 3 (> 150 / > 100)
$75 (Half) / $55 (Quarter)
Race Cap is 300
Race entry fees include:
Online registration closes on Friday, March 17th, 2023.
In-person registration will be available at packet pick-up and race day, if the event is not sold out.
Click here to REGISTER
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.
Link to Park and Parking Map: https://forgeparks.com/plan-your-visit/park-map/
Your packet will include a bib with timing tag, The Forge Half & Quarter Marathon Long Sleeve Shirt (if you registered by February 28th), 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.
Thursday March 16
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
34 W. Jefferson Ave.
Naperville, IL 60540
Friday March 17
1:00 - 6:00 PM
1001 Main St., Lemont, IL 60439
at The Foundry
Race Day
Saturday March 18
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
1001 Main St., Lemont, IL 60439
at The Foundry
5:30 AM – Parking Opens
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM – Race Day Packet Pick-Up & Registration Open
7:10 AM – 7:20 AM – Pre-Race Line-Up
7:20 AM – Course Talk / Briefing
7:25 AM – National Anthem
7:30 AM – Half & Quarter Marathon Race Start
8:00 AM – Post Race Food / Beverage Available
~9:45 AM – Quarter Marathon Awards Ceremony
~10:15 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!
Interested in volunteering? We would love to have you! Please click here to select your volunteer opportunity.
Dave Fako
Race Director
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
708-705-6791
