The Des Plaines River Trail Races return to Lake County in Illinois on October 10th, offering a diverse range of distances for runners from the Half-Marathon to the ultra marathon along scenic trails. Located primarily within the Half Day Forest Preserve and following sections of the Des Plaines River Trail, this year's race venue provides participants with an expansive trail system that alternates between lush forest paths and open wetlands. The terrain is flat and wide, covered in crushed gravel which offers a fast surface for running. Major road crossings are handled via bridges or viaducts, minimizing disruptions to the runners' pace. In its 15th edition, the Des Plaines River Trail Races have become an integral part of Lake County’s running community. The race supports local environmental initiatives by promoting trail use and sustainability among participants. With a history of attracting competitive athletes seeking personal best times or Boston Marathon qualifying marks, this event has established itself as both challenging and rewarding for runners. The course venue spans the Des Plaines River Trail, featuring flat terrain with wide gravel paths that are free from roots and rocks. The route is primarily an out-and-back along the northern segment of the trail system, making it accessible and familiar to local participants. Road crossings are few—only four minor ones on the 50K/50 Mile course, two for the Marathon, and none for the Half-Marathon. Weather conditions in Lake County during October typically feature cool temperatures ranging from an average high of 17.5C to a low of around 9.1C with an average temperature felt like at 13.3C due to moderate humidity levels of approximately 68.5%. The trail surface is expected to be firm and slightly soft, suitable for running without significant risk from rainfall that averages about 2.3mm.
The Des Plaines River Trail Races offer a variety of challenging distances including the Half-Marathon (21.1K), Marathon (42.2K), 50K (50K), and 50 Mile Ultra Marathon (80.5K). Each distance is priced differently, starting from $130 for the Half-Marathon up to $170 for the ultra marathon. Registration can be completed online at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133656 with fees ranging between $130 and $170 depending on the distance selected. Early registration is recommended as spots fill quickly, especially for the Marathon which qualifies runners for entry into Boston. Packet pickup will occur prior to race day at 847 Running Company in Libertyville and Dick Pond in Park Ridge. Participants can pick up their bibs during designated times leading up to race day either from 847 Running Company or Dick Pond locations, where they should bring a valid photo ID along with confirmation of registration. The start location is situated at Half Day Forest Preserve on South Milwaukee Avenue for all distances offered by the event. Age requirements are open but participants must be able-bodied and prepared for varying trail conditions. The Des Plaines River Trail Races in Lake County, Illinois, on October 10th provide a unique opportunity to explore one of America’s most scenic running trails while contributing to local environmental initiatives through active participation. This race is ideal not just for competitive runners looking to achieve personal bests or Boston Qualifying times but also for those who simply enjoy the challenge and beauty of trail running in autumn.
Races Offered
50 Mile
Oct 10, 2026
straighten
Distance —
80.5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$170.00
50K
Oct 10, 2026
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Distance —
50K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$150.00
1/2 Marathon
Oct 10, 2026
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Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
$130.00
Marathon
Oct 10, 2026
straighten
Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
$140.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Lake County.
thermostatTemperature
9.1° / 17.5°
wb_sunnyFeels like
6.0° / 14.4°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
8h 27m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.3 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
13.2 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
68.5%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:06
nightlight
Sunset
18:08
About Lake County
Learn more about the host city, Lake County.
Lake County is a county located in the northeastern corner of the U.S. state of Illinois, along the shores of Lake Michigan. As of the 2020 census, it has a population of 714,342, making it the third-most populous county in Illinois. Its county seat is Waukegan, the tenth-largest city in Illinois. The county is a mixture of suburban areas, urban areas, and some rural areas. Due to its location, immediately north of Cook County, Lake County is one of the collar counties of the Chicago metropolitan area. Its northern boundary is the Wisconsin state line.
