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 **A Brand New USOLE Trail Race with The Forge**
*Race Distance - 5 Mile Trail Loop*
Trail running has always been in our USOLE DNA! We were the first running store in Chicago to bring trail racing to the Chicago running community. These trail races are great courses for folks wanting to get off the roads and enjoy some of our beautiful trails, but not have to be an expert trail runner to get to the finish. Our trail races are very laid back and great fun for the entire family, making it fun & easy for all! The USOLE Trail Challenge is great for people of all ages and all abilities looking to change up the running routine and get “off” the roads!

Trail Race Location - The Forge: Lemont Quarries:
We will be headed to a really unique place, the Forge: Lemont Quarries! A great location out in the Southwest Suburbs (close to our Palos Trail location), with unique trails and breathtaking scenery which are all part of a  new outdoor adventure park called The Forge: Lemont Quarries. The planned running trail will be a flatter off road course with crushed limestone and some rocks & roots to run over. A nice blend of dirt and double track that will satisfy all levels of trail runners! Come out and run in our brand new USOLE Trail Challenge location, The Forge: Lemont Quarries! - Click to find out more!

Race Details:
  • We will be limited to the number of participants we can have out for our race at 300 runners! We will close the registration once we hit our race participant capacity!
  • USOLE January Trail Challenge Pricing:
    • ONE PRICE UNTIL RACE IS SOLD OUT - $50.00
    • Use code USOLE10 for 10% off (limited time only)
    • No exchanges or refunds
  • The Goods:
    • Every registered runner will receive a custom USOLE Trail Challenge @ The Forge Running Tech Long Sleeve Shirt (see graphic on this page) and a custom USOLE January Trail Challenge Decal!
  • Courses will be trail & off road with crushed limestone, dirt, rocks, & roots...and maybe some mud. Since it is winter, the trails maybe snow and ice covered and the need for some traction may benefit some folks! Check out the YakTrax (available at Commonwealth & Heart Break Hill Running Companies along with many other running specialty retailers) that slip over your shoes and will give you the traction boost you may need on the trails!
  • Races will begin promptly @ 9:00am! Race day pickup & registration will begin @ 7:30am!
  • Weather Issues: In the case of inclement weather, the only time we will delay a race or consider any action is in the presence of lightning. All other weather (rain, snow, tons of snow, tons of rain, etc) we will run the race. After all, this is trail running and some inclement weather makes it that much more fun!
  • Water and NUUN Hydration Drink at the Start/finish line. We will have an aid station at the start/finish line so you can fill up any bottles prior to the start of the race. It is highly recommended you come with your own bottle or hydration pack option.
  • Clif Bars, bananas & apples will be at the finish.
  • Refreshing Craft Beer (TBD) will be given to all runners after in a socially distant manner.
  • Race day gear check will be at the Universal Sole Tents
  • Directions to race site-> CLICK HERE!
Packet Pick-up Details:
We will have packet pickup at three locations (click on the location to link to get directions) on Friday, January 8th:
Chicago City - Heartbreak Hill Running Company - 1pm-7pm
Lemont - The Forge: Lemont Quarries - 1pm-7pm
**Race Morning Registration/Packet Pickup will be at the Forge starting @ 7:30am under the USOLE Tents! We encourage everyone to pick up packets at one of our three locations on January 8th, but will be available early on the 9th as well.**
Awards:
  • Top three Overall Male & Female - Custom Tiles for overall M & F Winners and $25.00 Heartbreak/Commonwealth Run Shop Gift Card
  • Age Group M&F Awards: 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+ - Custom Tiles for overall M & F age group winners, medals for 2nd & 3rd in age group
  • Post race raffle with great prizes from Universal Sole & all of our sponsors!
Post Race - Will's Famous Chili, Odell Brews & Fun!
Once the races are over, Will's Famous Chili and Odell Brewing craft brews for everyone! We will have some other goodies for folks as well to enjoy, but let's run, have some fun and enjoy some of Will's Chili & Odell Brewing Craft Beer! We are always in for a treat when Will crafts his family three meat chili for all to enjoy! A great post race treat after hitting the trails! Will's Famous Chili along with some ice cold Craft Brews are not to be missed!

Volunteer Information: Please email Universal Sole (info@universalsole.com) and let us know if you would like to take part by volunteering.

Strollers & Dogs: Strollers and leashed dogs are allowed, we ask that you start in the last start time corral.

*Please note: There are no refunds or exchanges for this event. Discount codes can't be used on race day/night registration (best is to sign up pre-event on-line here)!
COVID-19 Rules & Regulations:
  • All participants will be required to have face masks worn at all times prior to the state of the race and after the race while on race site.
  • All participants will be required to start the race with a mask and can remove the mask during the race (you sill must carry the mask).
  • We will require all registered runners follow all social distance guidelines with folks have a 6ft or greater distance apart.
  • Packet Pick-up on-site will follow all social distancing rules with 6ft distance enforced.
  • Once checked in, we are asking everyone to return to vehicles or social distance from others until your start time is called up.
  • We will be starting in time waves, each wave will start 20-30 runners in a total of 5 waves every three minutes (race start is 9am).
  • Each runner will be able to choose a start wave at packet pickup or on race morning based on predicted race pace (first come basis).
  • We will have start circles for runners to stand in for each wave at the start line corral with 6ft or more distance between the circles.
  • During COVID-19, please refrain from on-site physical forms of contact (hugs, high fives, etc)
  • Please be responsible and socially distant for any activities pre and post race (selfies, group selfies, etc)
  • Tissues/Handkerchief required for all spitting or nose blowing while on the race site and during the race.
  • Persons from high-risk groups for COVID-19 complications should consult their physician before participating.
  • Do not participate if you are feeling sick or ill, and or have a fever, or if you have been in contact with someone unrecovered from COVID-19. 

Location

The Forge: Lemont Quarries
1001 Main Street
Lemont, IL 60439
DIRECTIONS TO THE FORGE
*There will be plenty of parking in the Forge Parking Lots!

Thank You To Our 2021 USOLE Trail Challenge Sponsors