Des Plaines River Trail Races
Lake County, United States • 11 Oct 2025
Event details
The Des Plaines River Trail Races take place on October 11, 2025, in Lake County, Illinois, with start and finish at Half Day Forest Preserve. The event offers multiple distances and is organized as a set of out-and-back races on the northern segment of the Des Plaines River Trail. Registration opens January 1, 2025 at 10:00 am Central and closes October 1, 2025 at 11:59 pm CT.
- Half Marathon
- Marathon (Boston Qualifier)
- 50 Km
- 50 Mile
Course and logistics
The course is almost entirely on trail, using a flat, wide, crushed gravel surface that is free of roots and rocks. The route passes through alternating forests and open wetlands. Major road crossings use bridges or viaducts; minor road crossings total 0 for the half marathon, 2 for the marathon, and 4 for the 50K/50M course. The race may use an alternate course if sections are flooded.
Age minimums are 12 for the half marathon and 16 for marathon, 50K, and 50 mile. Cutoff limits are published per distance and the overall course closes at 6:30 pm. Aid station counts by distance are provided; the event is cup-less, so participants must carry a cup, bottle, or hydration pack. Finisher medals are awarded for every distance and awards are given to overall and age-group winners. T-shirt availability is tied to registration timing. Deferred entries and transfers are allowed under specified deadlines and fees. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.