Des Plaines River Trail Marathon

This trail run is easy because the trail is wide and flat with no problems, EXCEPT the multiple long water obstacles. The 2019 racecourse was modified to 6.55-mile loops because of major flooding, which was well managed. GREAT race support for the 50 milers, marathoners and half marathoners. I highly recommend.

I participated in this marathon as a part of my 50 state marathon quest and I was really happy with my choice for Illinois. To be honest, I had originally wanted to do Chicago but once they changed to a lottery system I needed to find another choice to guarantee my 50 state finish by a certain time. I'm so glad I ended up doing this marathon. As others mentioned, the weather conditions were not ideal in 2017-torrential rain, mud, thunderstorms, etc. but I give huge kudos to the race directors for allowing the race to go on anyway. Their advice if you got nervous about the lightning was to seek shelter but they were clear that the race would not be cancelled. I really appreciated this since I was finishing the 50 states 2 weeks later and wouldn't be able to fit in another IL marathon. I ended up staying in the city of Chicago because I was there for a few days and wanted to do some city sightseeing. However, I did see how the Extended Stay was right across the street. The drive from the city was totally fine, though, and didn't take very long. Everything was easy, convenient and well-marked at the starting area. There were porta-potties as well as sheltered bathrooms. There were wave starts for both the marathon and half marathon based on pace (the 50 miler started earlier). The course was really beautiful and had the weather been better I would have been able to better appreciate the scenery. Lots of water views and lots of trees. The trail was mostly gravel though there were a lot of leaves down in certain sections. The race communication was excellent so I knew what to expect on the course in terms of aid. The aid stations were excellent with friendly volunteers who had to withstand the rain (though most had tents). There was a great variety of food and drink available (probably in part because they needed to cater to the needs of the 50 mile participants). I walked the race and it is very walker-friendly because of the 50 miler which is going on concurrently. There were a few other walkers but there were plenty of times I was by myself. However, the faster 50 milers passed me towards the end and most of them were very encouraging and friendly. The race medal had a word misspelled on it but the race directors kindly mailed us a new one. The race shirt was nice and we also got a bandana type of head covering. I really appreciated getting a burger at the finish line. There was a shelter with picnic tables where we could eat. There was also other food available. There is something special about trail races. People tend to be very friendly and easygoing. I would highly recommend this race. I would definitely go back and do the half marathon now that my marathon career is over.

I can't say enough good things about this race! The volunteers were amazing (especially considering that it was raining for most of the day), the race was well organized and stayed on time, the scenery was beautiful and the food at the aid stations and at the end was wonderful. We will definitely be doing this race again. Oh, at the people at the Extended Stay across the street were super-friendly and helpful. We will be staying there next year as well.