HalfRuns
The Forge Trail Run Festival

The Forge Trail Run Festival

Two laps of wooded trails and historic quarry scenery in Lemont, Illinois.

Race Date

Nov 14, 2026

Location

Lemont, IL

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Location
Lemont, Illinois
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.2 Miles, 18.6 Miles, 37.2 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Mixed
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Hidden Gem

Course

ShadedScenic Route

The Experience

The Forge Trail Run Festival, held in the historic quarries and canal country of Lemont, Illinois, is a late-fall trail running adventure that defies the ordinary. The half marathon course consists of two loops on single- and double-track trails, winding through dense woods, past the ancient limestone quarries, and along the I&M Canal. The route alternates between flat gravel paths—perfect for finding a steady rhythm—and technical single-track sections where roots, rocks, and short, steep climbs demand your full attention.

This is a race for runners who love the tactile challenge of variable terrain. The course's defining character is its surface: dirt, grass, rocks, mud, and mulch underfoot, with a few sections that qualify as truly technical. While overall elevation gain is minimal, the repeated punchy inclines on each lap test both legs and lungs. The festival atmosphere includes companion 10K, 30K, and 60K distances, all starting and finishing within The Forge venue.

The reward? A finisher's hat and the satisfaction of conquering a course that reveals something new with every lap. The Forge Trail Run Festival is an understated gem for trail runners seeking a genuine, woodsy experience without the crowds—a race that feels like a secret shared among those who venture off the pavement.

Race-provided 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.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, November 14, 2026

Start Time

8:45 AM

Giveaway

Hat

Start Location

227 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont, IL, 60439

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

mixed

Scenery

Forest, Lake River

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

6.2 Miles18.6 Miles37.2 Miles

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details5/15

4 timing sources

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather8/10

typical high 50°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

35°

Afternoon (High)

50°

Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times

0.1"

Precipitation

12 mph

Wind

70%

Humidity

Frequently asked

When is the The Forge Trail Run Festival?

The The Forge Trail Run Festival is held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, starting at 8:45 AM.

Where does the The Forge Trail Run Festival take place?

It takes place in Lemont, Illinois.

What distances does the The Forge Trail Run Festival offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.2 Miles, 18.6 Miles, 37.2 Miles.

Is the The Forge Trail Run Festival course flat and good for a PR?

The The Forge Trail Run Festival is a rolling hills, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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