RACE TO ADVENTURE
The Forge: Lemont Quarries is home to several miles of gorgeous trails, perfect for outdoor 5k & 10k trail races, triathlons, adventure races, and more.

2021 SCHEDULE
CARA Spring Race
May 22 & 23, 2021
Father's Day Fun Run
More info soon!
The Forge Triathlon
July 17, 2021
CARA Summer Race
August 14, 2021
The Forge Race Series
September event info coming soon!
CARA Fall Race
November 13, 2021
The Forge Triathlon is a unique event the offers an exhilarating, adventurous experience for triathletes of all abilities, including beginners to professionals.
The race venue is at the Forge: Lemont Quarries. The course runs through the Park and the adjoining trails of the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area and I&M Trails, located adjacent to historic downtown Lemont. Athletes and spectators will enjoy views of the Park’s exhilarating attractions and natural ecosystem, which includes the historic I&M Canal and multiple quarry lakes.
The sprint distance course is still being finalized but will consist of a maximum ~550-yard swim, 11.5-mile bike, and a 5K trail run.
Triathletes can prepare for a challenge that includes:
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Open water swimming in the natural spring-fed Forge Quarry with a time trial start from the dock,
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Two Lap bike course on crushed limestone trails and some gravel roads,
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Mixed terrain out and back run including crushed limestone and a section of single-track trails,
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Transition located at the Mount, the Forge’s entertainment stage and lawn area,
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Post-race fun with music and food and drinks from the Foundry at the Forge, and,
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Unique t-shirts and awards.
Covid-19 protocols will be in place per Public Health Guidelines at the date of the race.
The race is capped at 300 registrants
Tier 1 (First 100 Registrants): $85
Tier 2 (Registrants 101-200): $95
Tier 3 (Registrants 201-300): $105
Email questions to Dave Fako:
Preliminary Course Maps:
The Forge Triathlon FAQ
Where do I park and how far is the parking away from the start?
Parking will be available at the various The Forge/Heritage Quarries Parking lots located on
the north side of the I&M Canal adjacent to the Park. These lots are a short walk to the transition and start area If needed remote parking will be utilized. See Park Map for Parking Locations: https://www.forgeparks.com/parkmap
Is there a virtual option?
No. The race will be safely held with appropriate Covid-19 protocols at the time of the race.
We believe the experience of the park and trails are what make the race unique, and a virtual
option does not offer that experience.
How long is the swim, bike, and run?
This is an off-road sprint distance triathlon utilizing trails and single track and the course will
flow with the natural terrain. The official distances may not match perfectly with standard distances. The swim is approximately 550 Yards, the bike will be about 12 miles and the run will be a 5K course. The official distances will be announced well in advance of the race
once the courses are finalized.
What are the refund policies?
If the race is impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the event will be postponed and rescheduled, and all entries will automatically be transferred. Standard no refund policies apply if the race is cancelled for reasons out of the event’s control, such as weather.
What awards are available?
Top three overall male and female, 1st – 3rd in all standard 10 Year age groups starting at
U20 – 70+, and 1st overall Master’s (Age 40+) Male and Female. We may have a few special
fun awards too.
CHICAGO AREA RUNNERS ASSOCIATION
SPRING RACE
May 22 & May 23, 2021
Experience the trails at The Forge-Lemont Quarries with a beautiful 10K course hosted by the Chicago Area Runners Association.