Des Plaines River Trail Races
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Des Plaines River Trail Races
The Des Plaines River Trail Races are a series of endurance trail events held in Lake County, Illinois, with start and finish at Half Day Forest Preserve. The program includes multiple distances offered on a mostly crushed gravel trail that is wide, flat, and free of roots and rocks. The route passes through alternating sections of forest and open wetlands. Major road crossings are handled via bridges or viaducts; the courses have only a few minor road crossings (four on the 50K and 50 mile courses, two on the marathon, none on the half marathon).
The marathon is a certified Boston qualifier. Organizers schedule the event on the second weekend of October; the listed race date for the upcoming edition is October 10, 2026. Course material and the expected cool October conditions are described as supporting fast running times. The event is described as 100 percent trail except for a small number of road crossings, and race logistics include aid station and drop bag planning.
This edition continues a multi-year history of the event. Information is provided about aid stations, parking, packet pickup, and volunteer opportunities as part of race logistics. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
