Today's Hours
Woods, dirt, mud, roots, and maybe some other adventurous trail stuff will be experienced at the 4th annual Trail Half Marathon and Quarter Marathon @ The Forge: Lemont Quarries. 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-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.
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.
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 (or, gorgeous sunshine like in 2024!). Athletes will experience a unique trail race with a cool course, awesome scenery and a great venue based at The Forge: Lemont Quarries.
SWAG: Next year's swag will be something green. TBD item and style.
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 approximately 13.3 +/- 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 drink located at the beginning of the second lap for the half. Please plan on carrying your own hydration and fuel. We aim to go cupless for the 2025 event.
Tier 1 (Until July 4, 2024) = $60 (Half) / $45 (Quarter)
Tier 2 (July 5, 2024 - October 15, 2024) = $65 (Half) / $50 (Quarter)
Tier 3 (October 16, 2024 - January 31, 2025) = $70 (Half) / $60 (Quarter)
Tier 4 (February 1 - March 15 (Race Day), 2024) = $80 (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 swag TBD, post-race party with food, beer, music and all around fun
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, 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, swag (first 250 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. 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.
Tuesday, March 11
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
34 W. Jefferson Ave.
Naperville, IL 60540
Wednesday, March 12
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Lemont, IL 60439
(Located in the office building, 2nd Floor)
Thursday, March 13
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
431 Talcott Ave.
Lemont, IL 60439
Friday, March 14
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
257 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont, Il 60439
Race Day
Saturday, March 15
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM
257 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont, Il 60439
*At the Check-In Container just after you cross the I&M Canal bridge entering the Park (Near Zip Line Landing)
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 – 3rd 10-Year Male & Female Age Groups from < 20 – 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!
Interested in volunteering? We would love to have you!
Sign Up Here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/IL/Lemont/TheForgeTrailHalfMarathon
Interested in partnering with our races. Contact Dave Fako at 708-705-6791 or [email protected].
Dave Fako
Race Director
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
708-705-6791
