Des Plaines River Trail Races

Loading map…

Trail in United States, Vernon Hills

Distances

Trail
50 Mile
80.5 km
Start: Oct 13, 11:00 AM
Trail
50k
50 km
Start: Oct 13, 11:02 AM
Trail
Half Marathon
21.1 km
Start: Oct 13, 01:00 PM

About

A scenic trail race series along the Des Plaines River in Lake County, Illinois, offering flat, fast course conditions with lush forests and open wetlands. Races include a 50 Mile, 50k, Marathon, and Half Marathon, typically held the second weekend in October.

Catering & aid stations

On-course aid stations provide food and drink. Post-race meal: burgers (meat and veggie), chips and cookies after finish; extra meals can be purchased for €10. Beer (non-alcoholic also available) for those over 21 at the finish.

Pacers

The event uses a pacer system with target times per start wave displayed on the race-day schedule (Renntag für Laufende). Pacers wear pacer flag bibs to identify the group. 50-mile and 50k races are `cupless`; the Marathon is cupless. Half Marathon waves start every 3 minutes.

Typical weather in Vernon Hills

Monthly averages based on historical data (2000–present).

Jan31°19°

↑ 07:19

↓ 16:44

Feb33°19°

↑ 06:50

↓ 17:24

Mar44°29°

↑ 07:04

↓ 18:59

Apr54°39°

↑ 06:11

↓ 19:34

May65°50°

↑ 05:31

↓ 20:07

Jun76°62°

↑ 05:16

↓ 20:31

Jul80°67°

↑ 05:30

↓ 20:27

Aug79°67°

↑ 06:00

↓ 19:54

Sep73°60°

↑ 06:33

↓ 19:02

Oct60°49°

↑ 07:06

↓ 18:11

Nov47°36°

↑ 06:44

↓ 16:31

Dec36°25°

↑ 07:15

↓ 16:21

Weather data by Open-Meteo

What's included in entry

Race number
Bib
Timing chip

Finisher medal
Post-race meal

FAQ

What time do the races start?

50 Mile & 50k: 7:00 AM; Marathon: 8:00 AM; Half Marathon: 9:00 AM. All are cupless races.

Where is the start and how do I park?

Start: Shelter A, Half Day Forest Preserve, 619 S. Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL 60061. 50-mile & 50k runners may park at the Half Day Forest Preserve parking area with a provided permit; all marathon and half marathon runners must use the remote lot at ZF Services (777 Hickory Hill Dr) and ride shuttle buses.

Are there aid stations and drop bags?

Yes, there are on-course aid stations. Drop bags are available only for 50-mile and 50k runners at designated aid stations (Adler and Wadsworth). Marathon and half marathon runners do not have drop bags.

What is the refund/cancellation policy?

There are no refunds for any reason, including race cancellation. Registrants may transfer or defer by September 20th (fees may apply). See the registration page for full policy.

Last updated: Jun 5, 2026, 11:35:29 PM