Fancy Nonsense 25k/50k

Race Update

Due to major trail renovations and closures at Palos Forest Preserves from August to December we will be moving this race to Deer Grove Forest Preserve for the 2026 event!

A Nonsensical Running Experience

Due to construction at Palos Forest Preserve, this race will be moving to Deer Grove Forest Preserve for one year only, in 2026. This fall, picture single track wrapped in gold, amber, and deep red, crisp air, and just the right amount of crunch underfoot. It's the kind of course that makes you forget you're racing at all. The course is designed to give you space to return to the joy of running. Yes, you will accomplish your goal distance. More importantly, you will smile, you will laugh, you may even be a little confused. You will test your mental and physical limits while having a blast. This is a grassroots race, through and through. No frills, no fuss, just good trails, good people, and a community that shows up for each other. Bring your kids, bring your dog (on a leash), bring your best friend who's never run further than a 5k. Everyone belongs out here. Cash Prizes We're offering prize money this year for top finishers in the men's, women's, and non-binary divisions: 1st place: $400 2nd place: $200 3rd place: $100 Aid stations will be stocked with your typical ultra fare, plus a few surprises, because that's just how we do things. The course will wind you on mostly single track, and cut off time for both races is 5pm. Register by Sept. 15th for a guaranteed shirt.

Race Details

Race Details Packet Pick-Up 7:00am to 7:45am for the 50k runners 8:05am to 8:45am for the 25k runners At Deer Grove West this year Day Of 8:00am start for the 50k runners 9:00am start for the 25k runners There will be a short pre-race briefing to review course markings. Major intersections will be marked, and each runner will get a fully marked course map at packet pickup. There are lots of random, unmarked trails out there, you won't be running any of them, so don't turn down them. There will be other people out on the course that day, be friendly and kind. Course The course is a 5.5 mile loop. You'll run a loop, come back by the aid station, and then run another loop until you hit your distance. It's mostly single track and entirely runnable. Aid Stations 2 aid stations for the 25k runners 5 aid stations for the 50k runners Aid stations will be stocked with water, soda, snacks, doughnuts, and more. Let us know if you have food allergies or specific requests. Crews Crews can touch base with their runner at the aid station only. No pacers allowed.

CUSS Running

Curious Ultrarunner's Secret Society was established to inject a sense of whimsy into training calendars, split times, and fartleks. Our goal is to build a community that creates a space for the individual to fall in love with the magic of running. Mission To help others fall in love with ultrarunning. Vision To make you & the world slightly better through laughter & pain.

BIPOC & LGBTQ+ Entries

One of the things we strive for is to create inclusion and equality in the running community. As much as we want to say that all you need to run is a pair of shoes, we know the reality is much more complex. To create intentional space for people, we have a number of free entries for our races that we would like to extend to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ athletes. We would like to emphasize that these are not need based or scholarships. These entries are an affirmation of belonging in our community. We are not in any way publicly advertising who accepts an entry, and you do not have to be an out member of the LGBTQ+ community to receive one. We are not questioning or asking for additional information from anyone who asks for a code, they will be handed out as long as we have funding to do so. If you would like a code, please email us at ally@cussingrunner.com . We have earmarked funds for both BIPOC and LGBTQ+. Please feel free to share this offer with friends.

Entrance Policy for Transgender Athletes

We will accept each entrant’s declared gender at face value, and no additional supporting evidence is required. Athletes may register as the gender they identify with.

Entrance Policy for Non-Binary Athletes

People whose gender is not male or female; including but not limited to: genderqueer, agender, bigender. We want to acknowledge, respect, and provide opportunity in the registration process to express their desired pronouns. Please email ally@cussingrunner.com after registration and we will amend our records as Ultrasignup does not currently have that option.