Fancy Nonsense 25K/50K
Willow Springs, United States • 24 Oct 2026
Fancy Nonsense 25k/50k
The Fancy Nonsense 25k/50k is described as a nonsensical running experience born from mischief and imagination, designed to provide a space for the joy of running. The event takes place in the Palos Trail System at Red Gate Woods, about 20 minutes from downtown Chicago. The course is a 5.5-mile loop on mostly single-track trail that is considered entirely runnable.
Runners complete multiple loops to reach their chosen distance. There is also a 5-mile race distance. Aid stations are provided with water, soda, snacks, and doughnuts. Specific details are provided for the 25k and 50k distances:
- 25k: 2 aid stations.
- 50k: 5 aid stations.
Packet pickup occurs on race day at Red Gate Woods, with different times for the 50k and 25k participants. The event has a cutoff time of 5:00 PM. Crews can meet their runners at Red Gate Woods, but pacers are not allowed. The organizing group, CUSS Running (Curious Ultrarunner's Secret Society), aims to build a community and inject whimsy into running.
The event has specific inclusion policies. It offers free entries for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ athletes as an affirmation of belonging, available by email request. The policy for transgender athletes accepts each entrant's declared gender at face value. For non-binary athletes, the organizers request an email after registration to amend records, as the registration platform does not currently have that option. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.