Frozen Gnome

JAN
10
2026
Challenge winter single track trails at Veteran Acres and Sterne's Woods in Crystal Lake on a triple black diamond course offering 50K, 10K and relays. The 50K is five laps of a 10K loop with a warm Gnome Depot serving hot food and coffee.
Sat 10 Jan 2026
50 kilometers 10 kilometers

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Event details

The Frozen Gnome is a winter trail running event in Crystal Lake, IL, held at Veteran Acres and Sterne's Woods. The course uses single-track trails and is described as a triple black diamond rated route. Distances and formats offered:

  • 50K
  • 10K
  • 50K relay - 2 person
  • 50K relay - 5 person

The 50K follows a 10k loop repeated five times. The course includes a main aid station called the Gnome Depot with hot food, coffee, heat, and volunteers.

Logistics and policies

The race start area is at 431 Walkup Road, Crystal Lake, IL. Packet pickup is at the large building by the main parking lot. There are two parking lots on Walkup Road; the northern lot is closer to the start and smaller. Race swag includes a tech race shirt and a finisher medal for all runners; shirts are pre-ordered and sizes are allocated through registration. Awards include prizes for 1st to 3rd overall male and female and age-group awards for 1st place. Relay teams must register each member and perform exchanges at the main aid station while passing the timing chip. BIB transfers are accepted until 10 days before the event. Entry rollover is allowed if requested 70 days before the event; 50% race credit is available if requested 25 days before the event. Registration will move to a waitlist once the event fills. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

50 km
50k
50 km
50k Relay - 2 per
50 km
50k Relay - 5 per
10 km
10k

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