Pinetum Mind Games Endurance Event

Dixon, Illinois. Lowell Park. The Pinetum Mind Games Endurance Event returns on Friday, July 17, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM. Choose 6 hours, 12 hours, or 24 hours on a 0.411‑mile paved loop. Run, walk, or crawl — it all counts. You track your own loops (no GPS watches — they're inconsistent). Set up your own aid station at the center of the loop. Water provided; bring your own food, drinks, and gear. The loop whispers every excuse it can think of. Shut it up with one more lap. 100% deferral policy — carry your registration to next year if you can't make it.

Location — Pinetum (Lowell Park), Dixon, IL:

• Lowell Park is a scenic park along the Rock River in Dixon, Illinois (about 100 miles west of Chicago)
• The Pinetum is a pine tree‑lined upper loop within the park — a peaceful, wooded setting
• Loop distance: 0.411 miles (paved surface) — smooth, even, and consistent
• The course will be closed to traffic during the event
• Gates close at dusk — you can still leave, but you might be tempted to do "just one more loop"

Mind Games — Mental Toughness Challenge:

• "The mind game is simple… and not simple at all. You'll circle a .411 mile paved loop on a Friday night, pushing your limits in a fun and safe environment while that loop whispers every excuse it can think of. When it tells you you're done, you shut it up with one more lap."
• This is not a race against others — it's a race against your own doubts and fatigue
• Safe, friendly, and just chaotic enough to keep it fun
• If running in the dark has ever made you nervous, this is the place to conquer that fear. You're never alone out there — there are always runners on the loop, volunteers nearby, and a whole community moving together.

Self‑Supported Format — You Track Your Own Loops:

• No GPS watches allowed for distance tracking (due to watch inconsistencies — lap counting is manual)
• You will receive a timing sheet at the start — enter the timing tent to record your loops (every loop, every 5 loops, or whatever system you prefer)
• Organizers will be watching and volunteers will assist, but you are responsible for tracking your own progress
• The center of the loop will be open for participants to set up tents and their own personal aid stations
• Water will be provided by organizers; you must bring your own food, electrolyte drinks, and other supplies

What's Included:

• Access to the loop for your chosen duration (6, 12, or 24 hours)
• Water at the central aid station
• Timing sheet and lap tracking system
• Volunteer support and encouragement
• Fun competitions and raffles throughout the night (details announced closer to event)
• Camping/setup space at the center of the loop
• Parking at Lowell Park
• Finisher recognition (distance achieved)

Not Included (Bring Your Own):

• Tent, chair, canopy, and personal gear
• Food, electrolyte drinks, and snacks
• Headlamp or flashlight (for night running — mandatory after dusk)
• Warm layers (nights can get cool in July)
• Personal first aid kit, blister care, etc.

Schedule — Friday, July 17, 2026:

• 5:00‑6:30 PM — Bib pickup and setup (center of the loop)
• 7:00 PM — Race start (all distances start together)
• 1:00 AM — 6‑hour finishers finish (optional to continue for fun)
• 7:00 AM — 12‑hour finishers finish
• 7:00 PM — 24‑hour finishers finish

Refund & Deferral Policy — 100% Deferral to Next Year:

• No refunds, but you can defer your entry to next year's event for any reason
• Request a deferral up to 2 months prior to the event date (by May 17, 2026)
• After that deadline, deferrals cannot be provided
• Pregnancy: special considerations — contact a race director to make accommodations
• Event time changes: you can adjust your event time on UltraSignup until one week before the race

Rules:

• No pets allowed
• Please keep noise down at night (neighbors nearby)
• Respect the park and other visitors (the park remains open during the event)
• You must enter the timing tent to record loops on the official timing sheet
• Have fun, take photos, share them on the event Facebook page

Top Performances (24‑Hour Men — total miles):

• Nicholas Steel — 122.889 miles (2025) — course record
• Matt Hussung — 109.737 miles (2024)
• Connor Chapdelaine — 104.8305 miles (2023)
• Note: 122.889 miles on a 0.411‑mile loop = approximately 299 laps. The mental fortitude required is immense.

Contact: Event organizer via UltraSignup.