Latest Update

2023-09-15: ROLLOVERS: The last day to rollover your entry is October 2nd - no exceptions. To do so, go to your UltraSignup account and choose the CANCEL option. This will rollover your entry to next year. You will still have to register next year when registration opens sometime in January, 2024. Your rollover credit is embedded in your email address and will be applied when you register.
2023-09-15: EVENT GUIDE: Please refer to it - it should answer any questions you have. We continue to update it with any pertinent information. - https://bit.ly/DPREventGuide
2023-09-15: SWAG: All runners who registered before August 15th will get a shirt. In addition, ALL runners (no matter when you registered) will also receive a collapsible cup. (NOTE: there will not be any disposable cups at the aid stations). In addition, 50 Milers will also receive one of our new DPR hats.
2023-09-15: REGISTRATION: (11) 50 mile spots left. The other 3 races are sold out and have waitlists

Join us on October 14, 2023!

Welcome to the 13th edition of the DPR Trail Half Marathon, Marathon, 50Km, and 50 Mile along the beautiful and fast Des Plaines River Trail in Lake County, Illinois starting and finishing at Half Day Forest Preserve.
The DPR Trail is truly awesome and the color changes are OMG-worthy! You'll run through beautiful alternating lush forests and open wetlands on a very flat, wide, crushed gravel trail, free of roots and rocks. All of the major road crossings are managed by way of bridges or viaducts (with only 4 minor road crossings along the whole 50K/50 Mile course, 2 on the Marathon course, and none for the Half Marathon course).
With expected cool temperatures, flat terrain, and ideal running surface, you'll find this trail to be extremely fast, which is perfect for a personal best, or a Boston Qualifying time. (The Marathon is a Boston Qualifier!) Come out and join us for a great run! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ
Half Marathon
#flat-and-fast

Half Marathon

Date:
October 14th @ 9am
Event Guide:
Aid Stations:
Swag:
๐Ÿ…Finisher Medals, ๐ŸŽ Collapsible Cup
Packet Pickup:
Unclaimed packets will be at the reg tent on race day.

Kick's off Saturday morning at 9am. Wave starts every 3 minutes, Remember, it's a cupless race.

Marathon
#boston-qualifier, #flat-and-fast

Marathon

Date:
October 14th @ 8am
Event Guide:
Aid Stations:
Swag:
๐Ÿ…Finisher Medal, ๐ŸŽ Collapsible Cup
Packet Pickup:
Unclaimed packets will be at the reg tent on race day.

** Boston Qualifier** Kicks off Saturday morning at 8am. Wave starts every 3 minutes. Remember, it's a cupless race.

50 Kilometer
#flat-and-fast, #not-too-long

50 Kilometer

Date:
October 14th @ 7am
Event Guide:
Aid Stations:
Swag:
๐Ÿ…Finisher Medal, ๐ŸŽ Collapsible Cup
Packet Pickup:
Unclaimed packets will be at the reg tent on race day.

Kicks off Saturday morning at 7am along with the 50 Milers. Remember, it's a cupless race.

50 Miler
#flat-and-fast, #beautiful-foliage

50 Miler

Date:
October 14th @ 7am
Event Guide:
Aid Stations:
Swag:
๐Ÿ…Finisher Medal, ๐ŸŽ Collapsible Cup & Hat
Packet Pickup:
Unclaimed packets will be at the reg tent on race day.

Kicks off Saturday morning at 7am. Remember, it's a cupless race.

Volunteer

What makes a race great is the volunteers that help in so many ways. If you are interested in volunteering, we are most grateful. It is the smiling, cheerful faces that help motivate the runners and we realize that it is through pure dedication that you volunteer. So, in advance, we sincerely thank you. If you are interested in volunteering in any of the areas, please click on the following link and register on the UltraSignup site. All volunteers are invited to attend our Volunteer Party (in December, 2023). Food and beverages will be provided along with drawings for prizes.

Race Highlights

Click on each of the highlight cards to view more details
โœจ The Des Plaines River Trail is fast & flat and conducive to runner personal bests!
โœจ All races are chip timed with results auto-uploaded
โœจ We have the most caring volunteers!
โœจ We are a cupless race, let's all do our part to help the environment!
โœจ All runners will receive a post-race meal!
โœจ We give Overall & Age Group Winner Awards
โœจ You are guaranteed a t-shirt if you register by August 15, 2023
โœจ The race has a "Campy Vibe" to it
โœจ Our host hotel, The Extended Stay, is nearby for convenient accommodations
โœจ Race Directors are super responsive!
โœจ We have a generous number of great aid stations

Race Medals/Buckle

Half Marathon Finisher Medal

The center part spins in 360 degrees

Marathon Finisher Medal

The center part spins in 360 degrees

50K Finisher Medal

The center part spins in 360 degrees

50 Mile Buckle

Interactive Course Map

Course Records

50 Miles
50 Kilometers
Marathon
Half Marathon

Frequently Asked Questions

Show All Answers
๐Ÿ‘‰ What are the rules?
๐Ÿ‘‰ Is there race day registration?
๐Ÿ‘‰ Can I transfer my registration to another event?
๐Ÿ‘‰ Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
๐Ÿ‘‰ Can I defer/rollover my registration to next year?
๐Ÿ‘‰ Do you offer refunds?
๐Ÿ‘‰ Where is packet pickup?
๐Ÿ‘‰ When is race day check-in for each event?
๐Ÿ‘‰ What's the course like?
๐Ÿ‘‰ What will be available at the aid station?
๐Ÿ‘‰ Can I have crew available at the race?
๐Ÿ‘‰ Will there be a drop bag allowed?
๐Ÿ‘‰ Where can we park?
๐Ÿ‘‰ Host Hotel - The Extended Stay
๐Ÿ‘‰ Can you provide more information about race results?
๐Ÿ‘‰ What are the award categories?
๐Ÿ‘‰ What's the weather like for this race?
๐Ÿ‘‰ Do you support any charities?
๐Ÿ‘‰ Are pacers allowed?
๐Ÿ‘‰ What is the minimum age limit to run the races?

What Others Are Saying

This is a great trail run. Whether you choose the half marathon or the full 26.2. I had so much fun and all the food at the aid stations was amazing ~ Bob
BEST RACE DIRECTORS EVER! This race is beyond runner friendly, accommodating & well organized. Communication, ability to work around obstacles out of their control & the overall atmosphere they create are fantastic. ~ Larissa
Wonderful, well-planned and friendly race. It's a beautiful, albeit soggy course. It is the best supported race I've ever done. Ed and all the volunteers go the extra mile to make this so fun. ~ Ally

Sponsors

Dick Pond - Park Ridge - Helping with packet pickup
847Running Company - Our intention for 847 Running Company is to be a reminder that being active is made better by the company you keep. Itโ€™s a place for the walker, weight loss runner, student athlete, road racer, trail aficionado, the parent, postpartum mama, stroller pushing dad, college grad, kids, fitness omnivore and Lake County small business supporter. We live here. We eat here. We shop here. We raise kids here. We run these streets. We walk these streets. We bike these trails.
Tailwind Nutrition - Electrolyte sports drink
Chiro One Wellness Centers - Chiro One Wellness Centers were created with the mission of leading patients and communities to a life of true health and wellness through education and service.
The Fit Institute - The Fit Institute is a comprehensive physical therapy and training facility with locations in North Side Chicago and Vernon Hills, specializing in bridging the gap between rehabilitation and sports performance. They offer a wide array of services including physical therapy for musculoskeletal injuries, personal training, sports performance enhancement, Pilates, and specialized recovery rooms, all delivered in a clean, safe, and family-oriented atmosphere.
Extended Stay America - Please refer to the FAQ for details
Hansa Coffee Roasters - Hansa Coffee Roasters is a quality-driven roaster and retailer based in Libertyville, IL. We specialize in coffees sourced from small, quality-focused families and cooperatives around the world. We strive to find the best coffees and showcase them in the seasons they are at their freshest. We provide our staff with world-class training in manual brewing, espresso theory, and technical understanding of the coffee industry. Simply put, our goal is to consistently provide you with the best cup of coffee.
Half Day Brewing - Half Day Brewing has the perfect space just for you! Sit in our brewpub and enjoy a cold beer brewed just feet away! Watch your favorite game on one of our many flat screens. Sit at the bar, or any of the surrounding tables. When the weather permits, enjoy a nice breeze from our large open garage doors connecting to the patio. Want to enjoy the sun? Sit at any of our outdoor tables! Sit by one of our outdoor fire pits or up at our outdoor bar! Looking to dine inside? Have a seat at one of our booths or tables, by our large windows or the warm fireplace.
Automotive Keys Group - AKG is a leading remanufacturer and distributor of replacement automotive keyless entry remotes, other key replacements and related equipment.
Trail Sisters Approved - The Trail Sisters Approved standards were developed to recognize and promote races committed to creating a welcoming and equitable race experience for women race participants. These standards were developed by Trail Sisters members and race directors. Many more items can be added to the list of approved standards, but the goal is to start making forward progress in a manageable way for all race events and organizations.
USATF Sanctioned

About

Runners 4 Wellness, LLC was founded in 2013 and founded by trail runners, Brian Gaines and Ed Kelly with the goal of providing each and every runner with a WOW experience at our event. We put on a race that we would want to run ourselves and pay special attention to all the nitty gritty details so you can just focus on your training for the big race day.

Races

Des Plaines River Trail Races - Half Marathon, Marathon, 50Km, and 50 Miler