Spring Trail Chase 10K

VOLUNTEER

1/5

Date & Time

Sunday, May 17, 2026

8:00am

Description

Experience the trails at The Forge-Lemont Quarries with a beautiful 10K course.

Location

The Forge Lemont Quarries

227 Heritage Quarries Dr, Lemont, IL 60439

About

Committed to serving the Chicagoland running community, CARA's Spring Trail Chase is a 10k run/walk held at The Forge Lemont Quarries in Lemont, IL. This is CARA's only trail run and race in the suburbs!

Runners will enjoy a beautiful course through the adventure park covered with trees and mostly on crushed limestone.

10k:

$40 ($36 - MEMBER) - January 17 through February 18
$45 ($40.50 - MEMBER) - February 19 through March 25

$50 ($45 - MEMBER) - March 26 through April 22
$55 ($49.50 - MEMBER) - April 23 through May 17

Registration closes on May 17 at 5:00 p.m.

MEMBER PRICING:

Become a CARA Supporter Level Member to receive 10% off. Discount credited automatically with member login on the registration form.

REGISTRATION LINKS

Event Details

Event Day Schedule

6:30 a.m. - Venue open
7:50 a.m. - Deadline to report to start wave
7:50 a.m. - Pre-race announcements / instructions
8:00 a.m. - Start
9:15 a.m. - Awards Ceremony for overall finishers

Travel/Parking

Address: 227 Heritage Quarries Dr, Lemont, IL 60439. For best results, search for The Forge Lemont Quarries.

Parking: Please make sure to follow volunteer instructions upon arrival. Vehicles will be directed where
to park. Roadside parking is not permitted. Cars parked out of parking areas may be towed.

Ride Share: Those traveling to the event by rideshare should drop off outside the East Bridge adjacent to the
East Lot A.

Bike: Do not lock bikes to trees or anywhere that may block a trail.

Awards

Awards provided to the top three overall individuals in the male, female, and non-binary categories.

Recognition awards provided to the top three in men's and women's categories for age-groups:

14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85 & Over
Note: Overall award winners will not be awarded in age groups.

An awards ceremony will be held for overall award winners (top three). Age group awards must be picked up from the Results & Awards tent post-race. Awards will not be mailed.

Refund Policy

Participants must agree that refunds and deferrals will NOT be issued for any reason, including participant injury, illness, personal conflict, and any other issues out of the control of the event, including, but not limited to cancellation due to weather/lightning.

Start Wave Procedures

Participants are to organize in self-selected start corrals by their expected run/walk pace per mile for their distance (Under 5:00, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, Over 13:00).

Signs with paces will be spaced to allow for the expected number of participants per pace to line up correctly. Participants are encouraged to line up by a pace that accurately reflects their intended average pace for the entire race.

Gear Check

Gear check will be available at "The Lawn." Please attach the gear check ID tag from your bib to your bag. Please be sure you have everything you need for the run before checking your bag.

Participants may check any standard backpack or duffle bag size (1 bag limit).

We are unable to provide a covered gear check. Please plan accordingly in case of inclement weather. If wet weather is forecasted, we recommend using a waterproof bag for your gear check.

Gear check closes at 10:30 a.m.

Course Description

The course is generally flat. The trail surface is primarily well-maintained crushed limestone, with some wooden surface bridge crossings, some gravel, and wood chip. The route begins within "The Lawn", which is The Forge's outdoor music venue. The course proceeds along the Illinois & Michigan Trail Passage, through the Lemont Heritage Quarry Trails, and through The Forge Adventure Park grounds. The surroundings are mostly wooded, with scenic views of the adjacent water-filled quarries and the adventure park.

The Spring Trail Chase 10K is part of the 2026 Chicago Racing Circuit. The Circuit provides a competitive structure and recognition for Chicagoland runners and clubs. The Circuit annually honors Chicagoland’s top runners and clubs with Runner of the Year and Club Champion titles. Comprised of various race distances, the Circuit provides all runners - both recreational and competitive - with the opportunity to chase personal, club, and competitive goals.

volunteer

Volunteer

Support local runners by volunteering for the Spring Trail Chase 10K. A variety of roles are available, and no experience is needed. Your support not only impacts runners on event day, it helps CARA, a 501c3 not-for-profit, and their work to support the running community throughout Chicagoland.