On March 10, 2024, Illinois will be abuzz with a thrilling event, The Forge Trail Half Marathon in the charming city of Lemont. The race features both a half and quarter marathon, catering to different levels of athletes looking to test their stamina and grit. The half marathon covers a robust 13 miles, while the quarter marathon offers a 7-mile run. Revel in an all-natural trail for an adventurous running experience and a test of endurance, set against some of the most picturesque scenes in the state. The Forge Trail Half Marathon is more than a run; it's an unforgettable trail running experience poised to challenge and exhilarate its participants.

Get ready to kick off your spring with The Forge Fat Tire Race & Tour in Lemont, Illinois, coming up on March 10th, 2024. This heart-pumping mountain biking race is not for the faint of heart, offering two challenging course options for competitors - a 5-mile circuit or a grueling 10-mile track. The Forge Race Series sets the bar high for adventurous racing, attracting bikers of all calibers, from curious beginners to seasoned veterans. Set amid the rolling landscapes of Lemont, this race promises undulating terrains, scenic trails, and plenty of thrilling moments. As the season transitions and the frost begins to thaw, there's nothing like the thrill of a challenging mountain bike race to inject some excitement into the early days of spring. More information about the event can be found on the race's course website.

The Intelligentsia Cup Chicago cycling race, held from March 1 to March 10, 2024, is a renowned event hosted in the beautiful city of Chicago, Illinois. This grueling ten-day competition is comprised of a series of Criterium races, spanning distances of 30 miles each day, with the exception of an intensified 40-mile course on one occasion. The race engages both the hardy professionals and the dedicated amateurs who thrive on the thrill of speeding, attacking and corner surfing at fearsome speeds exceeding 30 mph. With each day featuring a unique course, contestants and spectators alike are kept on edge throughout ten adrenaline-charged days. This event promises an atmosphere of excitement, attracting large crowds of enthusiastic supporters in the various staging communities throughout its duration. The 2024 series promises to be epic, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience that will push all participants to new limits.

The renowned Le Tour de Shore is scheduled for June 14-15, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Marking its 19th annual event, it promises another exciting edition for cycling enthusiasts. Le Tour de Shore is a two-day, long-distance bicycle race attracting both local and international participants. The race offers three different lengths to accommodate various levels of cyclers, with distances of 106, 61, and 45 miles respectively.Proceeds from the race benefit Arts for Kids at Maywood Fine Arts, showcasing a commitment to community engagement. Beyond simply a race, several services including a gear check, SAG support, meals, and a bus ride back make the event user-friendly, with a variety of lodging options as well. The route, leading cyclists to New Buffalo, Michigan, promises to be a scenic feat, journeying through iconic areas such as the Indiana Dunes National Park and Chicago Lakefront Trail.

The BCLC Ramble is a highly-anticipated cycling event set to take place in the charming city of Trevor, Wisconsin on June 9, 2024. The race provides an inclusive and diverse selection for every skill level with various course distances including 25, 46, 66, 82, and a grueling 100 miles. Not solely focused on the thrill of competition, the BCLC Ramble also emphasizes philanthropy as proceeds from the event are donated to various bicycle-related organizations such as the Active Transportation Alliance, Wisconsin Bike Fed, Ride Illinois, Rails to Trails Conservancy, and Working Bikes. In addition to fostering a competitive and charitable spirit, the BCLC Ramble promises an enjoyable and memorable cycling experience, making the event a must-attend for cyclists around the country.

The False Spring Trail Runs are set to take place on March 23, 2024, in the scenic city of La Porte, Indiana. Avid runners will have the opportunity to choose between two distances, 10 or 20 miles. As a trail running event, participants can anticipate diverse terrains and enjoy the early signs of spring while pushing their limits. The event is not just a race; it's a chance to connect with the running community in the heart of Indiana's trail system. Be sure to mark this date, as the False Spring Trail Runs promises a memorable sporting event filled with breathtaking views and fierce competition.

Get ready for the Z Tour Bike Ride, a renowned cycling event taking place in Princeton, Illinois. This anticipated competition unfolds on June 22, 2024, welcoming cyclists from across the region. The event offers a variety of course distances including 10, 30, 65, and a whopping 100 miles, catering to both amateur riders and seasoned pros. Along with the vibrant cycling backdrop, the Z Tour will be part of Princeton's Second Annual Bike Fest, adding a festive layer to the entire event. Riders can look forward to enriching their participation with a full weekend experience in Princeton. The event not only fuels the spirit of cycling but also supports charity, with the previous editions having raised over $175,000 for the Zearing Child Enrichment Center. Buckle up for a ride of adrenaline, fitness, and charity at the Z Tour Bike Ride.

Join a community of daring cyclists up for a daunting challenge at the Horribly Hilly Hundreds, a revered cycling event set to take place on June 15, 2024, in Wisconsin. The race consists of three distances: 100km, 150km, and an endurance-testing 200km. With a name that sends shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned bicycle enthusiasts, the Horribly Hilly Hundreds brags of up to 10,000 feet of elevation gain across southwestern Wisconsin’s scenic byways, attracting nearly 1,000 riders each year. Serving as the primary annual fundraising event for the Friends of Blue Mound State Park, participants contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the park's natural resources. Don't miss out on taking part in what promises to be an unforgettable experience in one of the Midwest's toughest cycling challenges. Register soon before rates increase on March 8, 2024!

The Dirty Duel, scheduled for November 9, 2024, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, claims to be the toughest 5K you'll ever run and the only trail race in the U.S that gives participants a choice between two challenging courses. Athletes can choose their fate with the options of 'Long & Difficult,' a 3.4-mile run hugging the trail, featuring extensive mileage coupled with numerous twists and turns, or 'Short & Brutal,' a 3.1-mile littered with roots, steep ascents, and wild off-trail running. Both trails culminate in a crazy dash through Robinette’s corn maze, ending with delectable doughnuts and cider. The trail running event is expected to draw intense competition and provide an unforgettable experience.

The Dirty Duel Trail Race is all set to take the runners on an exciting challenge in Grand Rapids, Michigan on November 9, 2024. This unique racing event is the only trail race in the USA that gives participants the opportunity to choose their course of action. They can pick from either the challenging \"Short & Brutal\" 3.1-mile course packed with roots, steep climbs, and off-trail runs, or the slightly longer, \"Long & Difficult\" 3.4-mile course with more miles and plenty of twists and turns. Both trails lead to a thrilling finish as runners navigate through the Robinette’s Corn Maze. Prize for crossing the finish line? Freshly baked guilt-free donuts and cider to share with family and friends! The race, which promises a great morning out, is presented by Merrell and Gazelle Sports.

The Forge Trail Half Marathon

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