A Nonsensical Running Experience
Due to construction at Palos Forest Preserve, this race will be moving to Deer Grove Forest Preserve for one year only, in 2026.
This fall, picture single track wrapped in gold, amber, and deep red, crisp air, and just the right amount of crunch underfoot. It’s the kind of course that makes you forget you’re racing at all.
The course is designed to give you space to return to the joy of running. Yes, you will accomplish your goal distance. More importantly, you will smile, you will laugh, you may even be a little confused. You will test your mental and physical limits while having a blast.
This is a grassroots race, through and through. No frills, no fuss, just good trails, good people, and a community that shows up for each other. Bring your kids, bring your dog (on a leash), bring your best friend who’s never run further than a 5k. Everyone belongs out here.
Cash Prizes
We’re offering prize money this year for top finishers in the men’s, women’s, and non-binary divisions:
- 1st place: $400
- 2nd place: $200
- 3rd place: $100
Aid stations will be stocked with your typical ultra fare, plus a few surprises, because that’s just how we do things.
The course will wind you on mostly double track with some single track mixed in for fun.
Race Details
Packet Pick-Up
7:00am to 7:45am for the 50k runners
8:05am to 8:45am for the 25k runners
At Deer Grove West this year
Day Of
8:00am start for the 50k runners
9:00am start for the 25k runners
There will be a short pre-race briefing to review course markings. Major intersections will be marked, and each runner will get a fully marked course map at packet pickup. There are lots of random, unmarked trails out there, you won’t be running any of them, so don’t turn down them.
There will be other people out on the course that day, be friendly and kind.
Course
The course is a 5.5 mile loop. You’ll run a loop, come back by the aid station, and then run another loop until you hit your distance. It’s mostly single track and entirely runnable.
Aid Stations
2 aid stations for the 25k runners
5 aid stations for the 50k runners
Aid stations will be stocked with water, soda, snacks, doughnuts, and more. Let us know if you have food allergies or specific requests.
Crews
Crews can touch base with their runner at the aid station only.
No pacers allowed.
