Earth Day Trail Race
Crystal Lake, IL
- 50K, 15 Miler, 5 Miler
- Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
Celebrate Earth Day by running through the woods, enjoying nature, and making new friends! Join Ornery Mule Racing for the Earth Day Trail Run at the hidden gems of Veteran Acres and Sternes Woods in Crystal Lake, IL. The beautiful course features winding single track, rolling hills, blossoming spring flowers, … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Apr 18):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 63 | 75 | 55 | 58 | 41 |
| L (°F) | 42 | 58 | 45 | 34 | 34 |
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Too slick for running
I like running. I like that running is not restricted tom1 season. However I do not like running on slick iced paths. I like my knees and ankles and legs … MORE
I like running. I like that running is not restricted tom1 season. However I do not like running on slick iced paths. I like my knees and ankles and legs for that matter. I am not wanting to tear strain or break anything for the sport of running.
The trail was an easy trail for the most part..but nothing exciting about it. Donating our old shows wonderful idea. 1 I am on the fence as to whether or not I run this 1 again.
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.