The Next Loop - Half Day Forest Preserve

AUG

29

2026

Looped trail event at Half Day Forest Preserve in Vernon Hills with a 5K loop and multiple distance options. The course runs on crushed limestone, gravel, and natural trails through woodlands, prairies, and riverfront scenery.

Sat 29 Aug 2026

Mettawa, Illinois

Website Registration

50 kilometers 26 miles 13 miles 18 kilometers 15 kilometers 10 kilometers 5 kilometers

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The Next Loop - Half Day Forest Preserve

The Next Loop at Half Day Forest Preserve in Vernon Hills, Illinois is a looped trail event that uses a clearly marked 5K loop. Runners return each lap to a centralized start and finish area with a fully stocked aid station and access for personal crew and gear. The loop format lets participants complete one loop at a time and choose how many loops to finish; each completed loop is recorded without traditional cutoffs.

The course runs through a mix of open prairie, mature woodlands, ponds, wetlands, and river-bottom forest along the Des Plaines River corridor. Surfaces include crushed limestone, gravel, and well-maintained natural trails. The terrain is described as predominantly flat with a gentle elevation profile and smooth footing.

The setting combines oak savannas, prairie restoration areas, wetlands, and riverfront habitats. Wildlife sightings are common and the preserve sits within the Chicago suburbs. The layout supports pacing, fueling, and crew support by returning runners to the same central area frequently, which can aid planning for longer efforts across multiple loops.

Distances offered at the event include: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.