The Next Loop - Half Day Forest Preserve
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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 loop-based trail event centered on a single, clearly marked 5K loop. Runners return each lap to a centralized start and finish area with a fully stocked aid station, which supports pacing, fueling, crew access, and race logistics.
Distances offered include:
- 5K
- 10K
- 15K
- Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- 18K
- Marathon (26.2 miles)
- 50K
The course runs through open prairie, oak savannas, prairie restoration areas, mature woodlands, scenic ponds, wetlands, and river-bottom forest along the Des Plaines River corridor. Surfaces are a mix of crushed limestone, gravel, and well-maintained natural trails. The terrain is described as predominantly flat with smooth footing, connecting with sections of the Des Plaines River Trail.
The format lets athletes complete one loop at a time and decide during the event whether to continue, with each completed loop recorded. This approach removes fixed cutoffs and allows participants to manage distance, nutrition, and crew support from the centralized area. The preserve setting offers frequent natural variety and common wildlife sightings while remaining accessible from the Chicago suburbs.
Location: Half Day Forest Preserve, 24255 N Highway 21, Vernon Hills, IL 60061. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
