Chicago Trail Running Festival
Beecher, United States • 12 Sep 2026
Chicago Trail Running Festival
The Chicago Trail Running Festival is a one day trail running event in Beecher, IL held on natural trail surfaces. Courses are trail-built with dirt underfoot and variable terrain; some sections may touch gravel or pavement. Distances offered on the same course network include:
- 5K (3 miles)
- 10K (6 miles)
- 10K RUCK (6 miles)
- 20K (12 miles)
- 30K (18 miles)
- 50K (31 miles)
All participants receive a Trail Running Festival soft T-shirt and a finisher medal. 50K finishers receive a specific 50K finisher medal. Ruck finishers receive a Trail Running Festival RUCK patch. Top male and female finishers by time in each distance receive a first place award. The last place finisher in the 50K receives the DFL "Dead Freakin' Last" award.
The event is cupless; a water carrying system or personal hydration is required. Aid stations are placed at key points and provide water, hydration, and snacks; longer distances have more frequent aid coverage. Ruck weight requirements are specified by participant weight: over 150 lbs carry 30 lb, under 150 lbs carry 20 lb; a ruck sack or vest is allowed.
Crew and spectator access is available and participants may set up tents or crew stations. Event rules include parking only in designated spaces, notifying the race director if a participant quits, no littering, and no course cutting. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.