The Forge Trail Run Festival 2026

Description

Race and Course Information

The Forge Trail Run Festival will embrace the adventure and challenge of late-fall, mid-west trail running with 10K, 20K, 30K, and 60K events. The races will be run on single/double-track trails in The Forge and adjoining trails, within the woods and on some gravel around the historic Lemont Quarries and I&M Canal.

The courses will start and finish within the Forge. The courses wind through the single and double track trails within the woods and some gravel trails around the historic Lemont Quarries and I&M Canal throughout the Forge and adjoining trails.

The 10K will be one lap, the 20K (Half Marathon) will be two laps and the 30K will be a three lap course. Our newest offering - the 60K - will be six laps. Total mileage may not be precise, but will be close to the promoted distances. This is a trail race and we want the natural terrain and flow to guide the course and distance.

The gravel trails are flat. The single-track sections have variable terrain and surfaces ranging from dirt, grass, rocks, mud, more rocks, roots, mulch, stumps, critters, etc. A few sections are technical with several short but steep inclines and downhills. The defining character and primary challenge of the course is the variable surface. There are not any significant elevation changes. We would rate this course as moderately challenging for experienced trail runners and more difficult for runners with less experience on trail.