Registration is open! Capacity is limited to 300.

Amenities
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Chip-Timed 5K Run/Walk
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Unique twilight race, followed by a fun post-race party with live DJ on stage, and access to The Forge's "Foundry" outdoor bar.
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Beautiful trail course through The Forge - Lemont Quarries
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Unique Short Sleeve Performance Shirt
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Summer Trail Chase 5K Collector's Trail Badge Sticker
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Overall and Age-Group Awards
Event Details
Event Day Schedule
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5:00 p.m. - Venue open
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6:20 p.m. - Deadline to report to Start Wave
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6:20 p.m. - Pre-Race Announcements / Instructions
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6:30 p.m. - Start
Registration Fees [Registration]
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Early Bird - $34 - First 100 Registrants Only!
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Regular - $39 - Through July 25th
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Late - $45 - Through August 13th
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No Event Day Registration
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CARA Supporter Level members save 10%! (Login for discount at top of page before completing registration)
Course
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Description: The course is generally flat. The trail surface is primarily well-maintained crushed limestone, with some wooden surface bridge crossings. 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.
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Map: The course map can be found HERE.
Awards
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Recognition awards provided to the top three males and females overall.
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Recognition awards provided to the top three males and females in 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, and 85 & Over), overall award winners will not be included in age-groups.
Packet Pick-Up
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TBA Dates/Times at Fleet Feet South Loop, Running for Kicks and Peak Running Burr Ridge.
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Packet mailing is available during registration for an additional fee.
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PACKET PICK-UP WILL NOT BE OFFERED AT THE EVENT SITE ON RACE DAY.
Travel / Parking
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Location: The Forge, Lemont IL (1001 Main St., Lemont)
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Travel information may be found in the Participant Guide (Coming in July)
Event Capacity / Finish Cut-Off
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Participation will be limited to 300 persons. (This event will be a one-day event, and a second date will not be added after reaching capacity)
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Participants must finish within one (1) hours and 5 minutes after the last on-time start (no late starts).
Start Waves
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Participants will be assigned to a Start Wave, each with a capacity of 50 persons based on estimated finish time.
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Start Waves will be assigned prior to packet pick-up. Register early to ensure best assignment.
FAQ / Policies
What is the program's weather policy?
The event will go on rain or shine. However, if there is lightning or other hazardous weather we will cancel or postpone. Our full weather policy and weather alerts are HERE.
Can I cancel my registration?
No. Should participants voluntarily choose not to participate, or are unable to participate for reasons out of the control of the event (including, but not limited to injury, illness, personal matters, work conflicts, etc.), refunds will not be issued.
Is there a CARA member discount?
Can I partipate with strollers or pets?
No. Participants are not allowed to participate with baby joggers, strollers or animals.
Can a friend pick up my packet?
Yes. Packets may be picked up by a friend or family member at pre-event day pick-ups.
Can I give or sell my registration to another person?
No. You may NOT give (sell or transfer) your registration to another person and another person may NOT participate in another person’s place.
I am not able to race. Can I still get my shirt?
Yes. However, you must come to a packet pick-up. Shirts are not available at the CARA office pre- or post-race.
Can I exchange my shirt for another size?
No. Due to COVID-19 contact safety, shirt exchanges are not permitted.
Can my group/club set up a tent?
No. Due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, club/group tents or areas are not permitted within the event venue.
What are the events competition rules?
The event will abide by USATF competition rules. Additionally, the event expects all participants to respect fair competition, including following the RRCA's Fair Competition Policies: https://www.rrca.org/resources/event-directors/fair-competition-policies.
Is their an age minimum to participate?
No. All ages are welcome. However, parents/guardians are responsible for supervision of minors. Parents/guardians planning to run/walk the race with their child must register for the event.
What is the events refund, deferral, or cancellation policy?
This event is approved by the venue to occur as a live in-person event. Our participant guarantee is as follows: If this event is canceled due to COVID-19, participants will have the option to receive a refund minus transaction fees, deferred entry, or to participate virtually (participants choice).
What is the cut-off time to finish?
Participants must finish within one (1) hour and five (5) minutes after the last on-time start (no late starts).
COVID-19 Safety
These safety guidelines may be adjusted prior to the event based on state and local guidelines in place at the time of the event in August.
Participant Guidelines / Expectations
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Do not participate if you are feeling sick or ill, and or have a fever, or if you have been in contact with someone unrecovered from COVID-19.
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Persons from high-risk groups for COVID-19 complications should consult their physician before participating.
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Do not engage in traditional forms of physical contact (handshakes, high-fives, hugs, partner stretching, etc.).
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Do not engage in close group pictures/selfies.
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Only spit or blow nose into a tissue or handkerchief.
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Do not share personal items, such as hydration, energy gels, towels, etc.
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Participants traveling from out of state must comply with any State of Illinois and Cook County travel orders.
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Participants may be required to exit the event should their actions not meet expectations and or they are creating risk for themselves or others.
Venue Entry Requirements
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Participants must have a mask or face cover to enter the event area.
Mask / Facecovers
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Participants must wear a mask or face cover at any time they are within the venue (including, but not limited to parking, Start Wave pods, restrooms, etc.).
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Masks and face covers may be removed after the start while on-course. Volunteers and staff will wear a mask or face cover at all times.
Hygiene
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Hand sanitizer will be available.
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Indoor restroom buildings, with hand-washing capabilities, are available.
Hydration
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Participants must bring their own hydration bottle.
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Coolers, equipped with low-contact "UltraSpouts" for bottle refill. Cups will be available from self-service dispensers.
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Bottled water will be provided at the finish post-race.
Gathering Procedures
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The event will have a total capacity of 300, and per Restore Illinois Guidelines, participants will be separated into groups of 50, each separated by 30 feet. Detailed procedures are provided in the Start Wave explanation.
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The event reserves the right to adjust these procedures based on participation levels and or for changes in gathering guidelines or procedures.
Spectators / Non-Participants
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Non-registered persons, friends, and family may not enter the start/finish area or Start Wave pods. Non-registered persons are encouraged not the attend.

The Summer Trail Chase part of an exciting series of trail races for the Chicagoland running community. Brought to you by the Chicago Area Runners Association, the CARA Trail Series will feature Spring, Summer, and Fall trail races in 2021 at The Forge Lemont Quarries.