From the Organizer
The Next Loop 40M/50M Challenge | Deer Grove East Forest Preserve
📍 Deer Grove East Forest Preserve
📅 August 8, 2026
Your Endurance. No Limits. One More Loop.
Take on the challenge of 40 or 50 miles at one of the Chicago area's most scenic trail-running venues. The Next Loop 40M/50M Challenge at Deer Grove East Forest Preserve is designed for runners ready to move beyond the marathon, tackle their first ultra, or set a new personal distance record.
The course features a scenic loop through mature woodlands, rolling terrain, and wide, runnable trails that provide an ideal balance of challenge and accessibility. Runners will return regularly to the centralized Start/Finish area, aid station, and personal staging areas, making nutrition, hydration, and gear changes simple throughout the day.
The loop-based format removes much of the stress associated with traditional ultra-distance races. Your crew, supplies, and support are always nearby, allowing you to focus on pacing, strategy, and reaching the finish line.
🏃 Race Options
40 Mile Challenge
50 Mile Challenge
⏱ 12-Hour Cutoff
A challenging but attainable goal for runners stepping up from the marathon or 50K distance, while still offering a meaningful test for experienced ultra runners.
✅ Fully Stocked Aid Station
✅ Personal Runner Staging Areas
✅ Crew-Friendly Format
✅ Pacers Allowed After the Halfway Point
✅ Ideal First 40-Mile or 50-Mile Ultra
✅ Beautiful Forest Preserve Trails
✅ Supportive and Encouraging Atmosphere
Whether you're attempting your first ultra-distance finish or pursuing a new personal best, Deer Grove East provides the perfect setting to challenge yourself. You'll find a community of runners who understand that success isn't measured by where you place—it's measured by your willingness to keep moving forward when the miles begin to add up.
Every ultra begins with a single step. Every finish begins with the decision to keep going.
When the day gets long and the miles get tough, will you find the strength for One More Loop?
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
80°
Typical Low
62°
Chance of Rain
34%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Barrington 3sw, 6 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
66,548
as of 2023
City Elevation
727 ft
Nearest Airport
ORD
Chicago O'Hare International Airport · 11 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Next Loop 40M/50M Challenge | Deer Grove East, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
52
Days to train
Coming Up
JOURNEYS Run/Walk 2026
2 miles away
Rock 'n' Run FUNdraiser!
2 miles away
Twilight Fun Run
Less than a mile away
The Next Loop Endurance Series | Deer Grove East
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
This race spans more than one sport — here’s a guide to each, so you can understand what’s involved and decide if it’s the right fit. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Anything beyond the marathon — 50K, 50-mile, 100K, 100-mile, and timed events. Aid stations, cutoffs, and finishing as the goal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Next Loop 40M/50M Challenge | Deer Grove East
Aug 8, 2026