Location: Half Day Forest Preserve

24255 N Highway 21

Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Distances Offered: 5K, 10K, 15K, 1/2 Marathon (13.1M), 18K, Marathon (26.2), 50K

Half Day Forest Preserve

Vernon Hills, IL

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The course at Half Day Forest Preserve offers runners a beautiful mix of open prairie, mature woodlands, scenic ponds, and river-bottom forest along the Des Plaines River corridor. Athletes will complete a clearly marked loop that returns each lap to the same centralized start/finish area and fully stocked aid station, making it easy to manage pacing, fueling, crew support, and race strategy throughout the day. 

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The terrain is predominantly flat and fast, featuring a combination of crushed limestone, gravel, and well-maintained natural trails. The course winds through quiet forest preserves, passes scenic ponds and wetlands, and connects with sections of the renowned Des Plaines River Trail.

The smooth footing and gentle elevation profile make the course approachable for first-time trail runners while still providing an enjoyable endurance challenge for experienced ultra runners. 

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Runners will experience a diverse natural landscape that includes oak savannas, prairie restoration areas, wetlands, and riverfront habitats. Wildlife sightings are common, and the preserve's peaceful setting creates a feeling of being immersed in nature despite its convenient location in the Chicago suburbs. The combination of open views, shaded forest sections, and riverside scenery provides a constantly changing backdrop throughout the event. 

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The loop-based format allows participants to focus on their individual goals, whether that's completing a first trail race, reaching a new distance milestone, or pushing through an all-day endurance effort. With frequent access to aid, personal gear, and crew support, runners can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time discovering how far they can go. 

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Your Endurance. No Limits. One More Loop.

Who is The Next Loop Endurance Series For?

The Next Loop Endurance Series meets athletes wherever they are in their endurance journey.

• New Runners: If you’re building confidence or working toward your first 10K, Next Loop gives you structure, support, and a low-pressure way to test yourself.

• Experienced Runners: Training for a marathon or half? Use multiple loops to dial in pacing, nutrition, and mental resilience in a controlled environment.

• Ultra Curious​: Ready to go long? Stack loops, push limits, and stop on your terms. Every distance is earned — and honored.No pressure. No limits. Just forward progress.

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Progression, Not Elimination

What makes The Next Loop Different?

Traditional endurance events force athletes to commit to a distance before the race begins.​

The Next Loop Endurance Series is different.​Athletes start together, complete one 5K loop at a time, and choose whether to continue.Every completed loop counts. When you decide you’re done, your effort is honored — no missed cutoffs, no failure.

This format encourages athletes to return again and again, building endurance through experience, not pressure.