Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

We know before every race participants have questions.  Listed below are some of the common questions we hear and our responses to them.  If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us at: sbush1002@gmail.com

When are the five Chicago Trail Series race dates this year (2010)?
  • May 1, 2010 - Trail Blazer 5k - Libertyville, IL
  • June 5, 2010 - Trail Challenge 8k - Palatine, IL
  • July 10, 2010 - Renegade Trail Run 10k - Palatine, IL
  • August 7, 2010 - Xtreme Trail 12k - Palatine, IL
  • September 4, 2010 - Old School Trail 4 Mile - Libertyville, IL

What are the trails like?
  • Each race offers a challenge to the runner.  Rolling hills and some twists and turns are part of each course.  However, we feel that is why people should do our races.  They are fun, the surrouding environment is incredibly beautiful and people seem to keep coming back.
  • We want to encourage you to be safe and keep an eye on your footing throughout the entire race.  If an area is too hard for you to run we encourage you to walk until you feel comfortable to start running again.

How do I go about registering for each race?
We offer online registration for all of our races.  If you can't register online, or miss the online registration cut-off, please contact us at: sbush1002@gmail.com

Is race day registration available?
  • No.  At this time we do not serve to race day registration.

What time does each race start at?
  • Race day packet pick-up starts at 7:00 a.m. at the base camp.  Each race starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp.

Where is each race located?
  • The first and fifth race are located at Old School Forest Preserve, while the second, third and fourth races are located at Deer Grove West Forest Preserve.

- The Old School Forest Preserve address is:
28201 North Saint Marys Road, Libertyville, IL 60048

- The Deer Grove West Forest Preserve address is:
1898 N. Quentin Road, Palatine, IL 60074

  • Use MapQuest if you need directions to the race day location.  Once at the preserve, we will have signs guiding you to the race day basecamp.

Is there a pre-race packet pick-up location?
  • Pre-race packet pick-up is available on the Friday before each race at Running Unlimited in Palatine, Illinois.  Packet pick-up hours are 1-6 p.m.  Running Unlimited's address is: 451 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine, Illinois 60067

Why do you cap your races at 300 participants?
  • Due to the narrowness of the paths we feel it would be dangerous to have any more than 300 people on the course at one time.  Also, we do not want to cause any environmental harm to the trails and having more than 300 participants would leave a negative impact on the Preserve's ecosystem.

If it's raining will the race still take place?
  • Yes!  This is a trail race.  The more mud the better!  If it is just raining the race will take place at the scheduled start time.  If it is lightning we will postpone the race until it stops.

Will water be available on the course?
  • We will have one water stop mid-race for our 5k, 4 Mile and 8k races and two for the 10k and 12k races.  If possible, please run with a water bottle.  We are trying to limit our environmental impact and all the cups that are used are a waste.  Water bottles can be reused.  However, we will still have water on the course for you.

What about awards?
  • The top three finishers in each age division will receive a special Chicago Trail Series award.  The age group divisions are as follows:
- 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

Timing & Results
  • Results will be posted on our website within 12 hours after the race.

Contact Information
  • If you have any further questions or comments please feel free to email us at: sbush1002@gmail.com.

Questions or comments?  Email us at sbush1002@gmail.com