Des Plaines River Trail Races
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Des Plaines River Trail Races, October 10, 2026
The event is the 15th edition of the DPR Trail Races held in Lake County, Illinois, starting and finishing at Half Day Forest Preserve. Races follow the northern segment of the Des Plaines River Trail, a flat, wide crushed gravel surface that is free of roots and rocks and runs through alternating forests and wetlands. Portions of the trail may contain water where the river floods; an alternate course will be used if sections are impassable.
Distances offered:
- 50 Mile
- 50K
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
The Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. Road crossings are mostly bridged or via viaducts; the 50K and 50 Mile courses have four minor road crossings, the Marathon has two, and the Half Marathon has none. Aid stations provide water, Gnarly, and assorted snacks; the event is cupless so participants must carry a cup, bottle, or hydration pack. Manned and unmanned aid station counts vary by distance.
All finishers receive a medal; awards include plaques and belt buckles plus overall male and female winners and first place age group awards. Event shirts are allocated based on registration timing and sizes may be limited later. Important policies include no refunds, transfer of entries allowed through September 20, 2026, and deferrals available through September 15, 2026 with a 20 percent fee. The course closes at 6:30 PM and time limits apply by distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
