Bring on the adventure of winter racing and riding for the 3rd Annual Fat Tire Race, and returning this year the 3rd F^3 Forge 10K Trail Run on the (hopefully) snow-covered trails at The Forge and adjoining trails! A long and short course option will be available so riders of all abilities can choose the event best for them. The race will take place on the hopefully snow-covered gravel and MTB trails throughout The Forge: Lemont Quarries, adjoining Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, and I&M Canal trails. The bike will be an approximately 20K long course race and an approximated 10K, short course race. The F^3 10K trail run will follow.

As a winter event, we anticipate the trails will be covered in snow. As we know all too well in the Chicago area, we cannot predict or control the weather, and winters around here can be variable and gnarly. The event will proceed in all weather conditions unless it is unsafe.

The trails will be set for winter fat tire riding, and we’ll ride even if the snow conditions are less than ideal. This is an open class race and there are no restrictions on the specific bike tire size allowed. Riders are free to choose different equipment based on the conditions of the course, but those not riding fat tire bikes (3.5 inches or more) will be ineligible for awards. E-bikes are not allowed.

Course

The Fat Tire and Trail run courses will be common and developed based on both trail and weather conditions. The courses will traverse the wide gravel paths, MTB single track trails throughout the Forge and adjoining trails. The Fat Tire long course will be two laps and approximately 20K, while the short course will probably be one lap and approximately 10K. The Trail run will be the same 10K lap.

The main gravel trails are mostly flat with a few small hills, wooden bridge crossings, etc. The MTB single track trails will have more variability in the terrain and surface conditions.

Preliminary Course Map (*subject to change based on weather and trail condition): https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2482738

Course subject to change based on trail and weather conditions.

SWAG:

Every biker gets a pair of Chicago-themed F^3 socks. The socks are the knee-high DeFeet Talon, designed for cycling.
Every runner gets a pair of Chicago-themed F^3 mittens. If you want both, sign up for the bike and the run!

Mock up pictures are included during sign up.

Directions and Parking:

Use these directions parking: https://forgeparks.com/plan-your-visit/hours-directions/#directions

Parking
Use Lots 1 or 2 after the 2nd stop sign on the gravel road. They are the closest to the bridges to enter The Forge, packet pick-up, and the common start and finish line.

Please see our Park Map here: https://forgeparks.com/plan-your-visit/park-map/

Packet Pick-Up

We will accept registrations at packet pick-up on race day. Please note we will only accept credit card payments for these registrations.

Race Day
Saturday, January 13
8:00 - 8:45 AM (Fat Tire) & Until 11:00 AM for the Trail Run
The Forge: Lemont Quarries

Race Day Schedule (Preliminary)

7:45 AM – Parking Opens (follow roadside signs) Park in Lots 1 or 2, then cross the bridge and head to the east side of the park (by the zipline landing, The Mount and The Foundry).

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM (Fat Tire) / 11:00 AM (Run) – Race Day Packet Pick-Up & Registration

8:45 AM – Course-Talk / Briefing

8:50 AM – Pre-Race Line-Up

9:00 AM – Fat Tire Race Start

11:11 AM - Trail Run Start

Awards & Finisher Medals

Each finisher in the bike races will get a metal F^3 token/medallion! Each finisher in the Trail Run will receive a wooden medal!

Awards will be the following:

Any bike and tire size may be ridden in the race, but awards will be limited to those riding Fat Tires of 3.5 inches or larger.

1st Overall Male and Female in each race. Additional awards, prizes and raffles will be offered and announced before the race.

Results

2024 Results