The course was advertised as single track trail and there was even an awesome 5 minute video of the course online. Given this expectation, I was disappointed to find that … MORE
The course was advertised as single track trail and there was even an awesome 5 minute video of the course online. Given this expectation, I was disappointed to find that at least 0.5 miles of the course was on gravel/pavement. Also, the start was not clearly marked, the race director arbitrarily chose it on the morning of. There were no bathrooms along the course and since it is a loop, privacy is difficult to find. Also, they did not bring any porta potties in for the race so everyone was stuck using the park facilities which were not adequate. An aide station was promised but it was right after the finish line and not noticeable and the volunteers were not advertising what was available. The course, being a 5.2 mile loop, was not managed or manicured prior to the race. Trees were down over the course in multiple spots and there was loose debris on the trail, (I know this is a forest and that happens but it was excessive to the point that I tripped 3 times). The trail was also open to the public during the race and at many points we had to yell ahead and go off trail. Overall, I would not run this race again and would not recommend it unless for those people who do not like to get too deep into the woods.
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Not What I Anticipated
The course was advertised as single track trail and there was even an awesome 5 minute video of the course online. Given this expectation, I was disappointed to find that … MORE
The course was advertised as single track trail and there was even an awesome 5 minute video of the course online. Given this expectation, I was disappointed to find that at least 0.5 miles of the course was on gravel/pavement. Also, the start was not clearly marked, the race director arbitrarily chose it on the morning of. There were no bathrooms along the course and since it is a loop, privacy is difficult to find. Also, they did not bring any porta potties in for the race so everyone was stuck using the park facilities which were not adequate. An aide station was promised but it was right after the finish line and not noticeable and the volunteers were not advertising what was available. The course, being a 5.2 mile loop, was not managed or manicured prior to the race. Trees were down over the course in multiple spots and there was loose debris on the trail, (I know this is a forest and that happens but it was excessive to the point that I tripped 3 times). The trail was also open to the public during the race and at many points we had to yell ahead and go off trail. Overall, I would not run this race again and would not recommend it unless for those people who do not like to get too deep into the woods.
Great trail 50k for newbs and vets!
This is a great Chicagoland trail ultra race run by seasoned ultrarunning veterans. The playful course has several rollers and the start/finish aid station is stocked with good eats -- … MORE
This is a great Chicagoland trail ultra race run by seasoned ultrarunning veterans. The playful course has several rollers and the start/finish aid station is stocked with good eats — from homemade cookies and cakes to crock pot chilis and taco soup.