Events
Gravel Triathlon (Short Course)
Relay - Gravel Triathlon (2-Person)
Relay - Gravel Triathlon (3-Person)
Gravel Duathlon
Information
The Forge Gravel Triathlon is a unique short course, multi-sport event that offers an exhilarating, adventurous experience for triathletes of all abilities, from beginners to professionals. The course takes place in The Forge: Lemont Quarries, with a swim in the Forge Quarry and the bike and run on the trails in the Park and the adjoining trails, all located adjacent to historic downtown Lemont. Athletes and spectators will enjoy exclusive views of The Forge’s exhilarating attractions and natural ecosystem, which includes the historic I&M Canal and multiple quarry lakes.
USAT: The 2024 race was a USA Triathlon-sanctioned event and is on the USAT Gravel Triathlon Series. This will impact some rules that we have to implement. USAT Membership: As a USAT-sanctioned event and part of the Gravel Series, all registrants must hold an annual USAT license or purchase a one-day pass. This process is integrated with your registration.
Duathlon = Run + Bike + Run Format
Relay Option = 2 or 3 Person Relay, any combination of gender.
USAT Gravel Series
Course Information
Course Info. & Rules:
*Please note we may make some minor adjustments to the courses before race day.
Swim = ~ 540 Yards
Bike = 10 Miles
Run = 3 Miles
Swim: The swim will be a ~ 540 yard open water swim in the natural spring-fed Forge Quarry with a time trial start from the dock. The course will be a rectangle, starting from the dock, swimming clockwise, with three right hand turns at large white buoys with several buoys in between each turn. The Swim will finish and exit on the dock via ladders. The dock will have two way traffic on it with swimmers lining up to start and athletes exiting the swim headed to T1. Stay to your LEFT at all times on the dock.
The race will provide all racers with a swim cap that must be worn during the swim segment of the race.
The race will abide by USATF rules regarding wetsuits. Wetsuits are allowed if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower. If the water temperature is over 78 degrees and under 84 degrees, wetsuits are permitted, but those wearing wetsuits are ineligible for awards. If the water temperature is 84 degrees or higher, wetsuits are not permitted. The temperature of the water has been fluctuating between 72+ degrees, so we suggest being prepared to swim without a wetsuit.
The use of fins, paddles, life vests, flotation devices and similar devices are prohibited during the swim. If any athlete must use these items we may start you at the end, but you will be disqualified from the results.
Lifeguards will be in the water in kayaks throughout the course. If a swimmer needs assistance, turn over on your back and float and raise your arm in the air. Each lifeguard will have floating noodles in case a swimmer needs assistance.
Cutoff time to complete the swim is 8:00 AM.
Bike:
Bike Recommendation: The bike course is on crushed limestone and gravel trails and roads. Most bikes will work, but an MTB, Cyclocross, Gravel, Trail, Fat Bike, or other similar bike with larger wheels is recommended. A standard road or Tri / TT bike is not recommended. Aerobars of any type are prohibited.
The bike course is a ~ 10 mile route on a lollipop style course with two laps. There is a short approximately .3 mile section that is the stick on the lollipop, then a ~ 4.7 mile loop that will be ridden twice.
The bike course is on crushed limestone trails and some gravel roads. It is flat and not technical but will have a few ruts, bumps, small hills, several sharp turns, wooden bridge crossings, and loose gravel sections.
There is one segments with two-way bike traffic: from the bike start to the . 3 mile mark and the last .3 miles of the bike, the trail segments of two way traffic are a no passing zone. Please use caution while riding these segments.
The Bike cutoff time is 9:00 AM.
Bikes must be walked in and out of transition until athletes are at the mount / dismount line. Helmets must be worn and fully fastened at all times during the race while in possession of your bike, including walking it in and out of transition and during the entire bike segment. Only ANSI certified bike helmets approved are allowed. Please no, skateboard, climbing helmets, etc.
Cyclists must always ride to the right unless passing. Only ride on the left while passing. Prior to passing, call out to the rider ahead of you “on your left” and make sure it is safe to pass. Do Not Pass on the trail segment with two way traffic.
An experienced bike mechanic will be on site to assist with maintenance but be prepared to handle your own mechanical issues.
Run:
The run course is approximately 3 miles on a mixed terrain out and back route including crushed limestone and a section of MTB single-track trails and the paths under the Towers. The course will be two laps. About two-thirds of the course is on flat gravel trails or gravel road and one third is on mixed terrain MTB trails with some technical sections and small hills, including dirt, rocks, and mulch covered trails.
The run course is an out and back with two-way runner traffic on most of the course, other than the section on the MTB Trails / paths under the Towers.
The run cut off time is 9:30 AM.
Aid Stations / Nutrition:
We recommend athletes carry their own hydration and nutrition as the course will have limited aid stations.
Sports drink will be available at the run course aid station and at the post-race / finish line.
Aid / Hydration will be available at the following:
· Transition: Water will be available near the Swim / T1 IN / Run OUT.
· Bike Course: NO on course hydration or aid stations.
· Run Course: Aid station with water and sports drink sports drink will be available at the ~ Mile 1.5 as runners U turn to begin their second lap.
· Finish Line: Water will be available at the Finish Line.
Duathlon:
Duathletes start at the Transition Run Out mark and complete Run 1 (R1) which is about 1.5 miles. Upon returning to transition after R1, Duathletes will use the SWIM IN entrance to get to their bikes. Duathletes will use the same bike course as triathletes. Upon completing the bike, Duathletes will follow the full 3 mile run course, which is two laps of Run 1, and Finish at the Finish line.
Relay:
Each member of the relay (2-3 person) completes the same course as the Triathlon. After each segment in transition the timing ankle bracelet will be transferred to the athlete doing the next segment. This transfer must occur at the relay team’s station in transition. Please note 2 and 3 person relays and any mix of gender are all competing in the same category for the same
USA Triathlon Sanctioned Event
The term 'USA Triathlon Sanctioned' indicates that the race director (RD) has completed a thorough review of an event's safety. The swim, bike, and run courses have been well-planned, and the race director has evaluated and planned for medical, emergency, safety, and volunteer support. The event will be conducted according to the USA Triathlon Competitive Rules.
Registration
Entry Fees:
Tier 1 (Until February 28, 2025)
Tri, DU $80 | Relay 2-Person $150 | Relay 3-Person $225
Tier 2 (March 1, 2025 - May 15, 2025)
Tri, DU $95 | Relay 2-Person $160 | Relay 3-Person $240
Tier 3 (May 16, 2025 - July 20, 2025)
Tri, DU $105 | Relay 2-Person $170 | Relay 3-Person $255)
Tier 4 (July 21, 2025 - August 12, 2025)
Tri, DU $115 | Relay 2-Person $180 | Relay 3-Person $270)
Race Cap is 350
Relay Registration: 1st Team Member / Captain creates the team, pays the full relay team fee, then the other team members register, joining that team.
USAT Membership: As a USAT-sanctioned event and part of the USAT Gravel Series, all registrants must hold an annual USAT license or purchase a one-day pass. This process is integrated with your registration.
Elite Wave (Triathlon): We are offering an elite wave that will start as a mass deep water start - male and female combined. Those starting in this wave will be timed on gun time and eligible for top three overall awards and prize money. You must start in this wave to be eligible for top three overall and prize money. To be eligible for this wave please select it in the questions during registration.
Includes:
- Chronotrack tri-tag chip timed results with swim, bike, run and T1 / T2 splits
earned overall and age group awards - A cool lightweight hoodie.
- Post-race party with a DJ, food, beer, and other beverages
TBD if registration will be available at packet pick-up and race day if the event is not sold out.
Training
Open Water Swim Class Training.
Dates TBD
Details below.
Join Coach Liz Waterstraat / Multisport Mastery for an open water swim class at The Forge in Lemont this summer!
Date(s) TBD
The 6:30 am class is suitable for more intermediate/advanced swimmers. We will go through a mix of skills, tactics & an open water swim workout.
The 7:30 am class is designed for those more timid or beginner swimmers. We will work on form, comfort & confidence in the water.
In all classes, Coach Liz is on the dock instructing & observing. Each class is unique. Must be 18 years or older to participate. You do not need to be registered for the Triathlon to participate.
Water temperature is typically 78 to 84 degrees. It the water is below 84, you are permitted to use a wetsuit. For safety reasons, no wetsuits permitted if the water is above 84.
Race Location / Parking
Map Location
Use these directions to the Forge.
Map / Google Address is: 227 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont, IL 60439
Parking
Use Lots 1 or 2 after the 2nd stop sign on the gravel road. They are the closest to the bridges to enter The Forge, packet pick-up, and the start and finish line area.
Important Parking Info:
On race day, we encourage carpooling. The Forge has adequate parking, but the race field, volunteers and spectators will maximize the use of our parking lots. Please follow signs directing you to parking. Athletes will park in the lots on the north side of the I&M Canal, which is a short walk across the bridges to The Forge.
Please note that after the race begins, vehicles will not be permitted to enter or exit the park until after the race is complete at approximately 9:30 am. The park access road is part of the bike course and will be closed once the race starts.
Athletes or spectators who may need to leave early should park in the public lots or street parking in downtown Lemont and ride or walk to The Forge, approximately 1 -1 ½ miles.
The shuttle system at the Metra Station will not be available on race day.
Awards
Elite Wave = Mass start, gun time, competing for top 3 overall male / female awards. Ineligible for all other awards.
All Others: Due to the time trial start format, all awards will be based on chip / electronic time.
Awards will be the following:
1st – 3rd Overall Male and Female (Elite Wave Only)
1st Overall Male and Female Masters (Age 40+)
1st Overall Male and Female Lemont Resident
Mr. and Ms. Mid Pack (Athlete that finishes in the exact middle of the pack in their gender by placement)
1st – 3rd 5-Year Age Groups from 15 - 19 – Age 70+ (Example, Male 30-39, Female 40-49, Female <20)
Cash prizes will be awarded to the 1st - 3rd Overall Males and Females in the Triathlon: Amounts TBD
Duathlon: 1st - 3rd Overall male and female. No special or age group awards.
Relays: 1st - 3rd Overall relay team regardless of team size (2 or 3-person) and gender make-up. All relays compete against each other. have fun!
Additional awards, prizes and raffles will be offered and announced before the race.
Packet Pick-Up
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Naperville Running Company
34 W. Jefferson Ave.
Naperville, IL 60540
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Bee Well Collective
1011 State St., Suite 220
Lemont, IL 60439
(Located in the office building, 2nd Floor)
Noon - 4:00 PM
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
227 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont, Il 60439
5:15 AM - 6:30 AM
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
227 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont, Il 60439
*At the Check-In Tent just after you cross the I&M Canal bridge entering the Park (Near Zip Line Landing)
Race Day Schedule
*Please note we are making minor adjustments to the start times highlighted below.
5:00 AM – Parking Opens
5:15 AM -- Transition and Race Day Packet Pick-Up Open
6:30 AM – Transition Set-Up Closes
6:30 AM – Wave Line-Up Begins. Swim staging by Wave / Bib # on the shelf near the Dock / Creamery. Duathlon staging in transition by the Run OUT area.
6:40 AM – Course Talk / Briefing by the Swim Start Staging Area
6:40 AM – Start Line-Up Ends
6:40 AM – National Anthem
~ 6:45 AM - Duathlon Start at the Transition Run OUT area.
~ 6:50 AM – Elite Triathlon Wave Start (Mass Start, Gun Time)
6:55 AM / 7:00 AM - Age group starts – Time Trial Format
7:10 AM – ~ Last Swimmer Starts
7:45 AM – Anticipated 1st Finisher
8:00 AM - Post Race Food / Beverage Available
9:00 AM -- Awards at the Mount / Stage
~9:15 AM – Anticipated Last Finisher
~9:15 AM – Transition Opens for Exit / Departure
Race Start Time / Waves:
· Elite Triathlon Wave will start at 6:50 AM. Mass deep water start (Gun Time)
· Duathlon will Start at 6:45 AM. Mass start at the Transition Run OUT gate.
· All Other Athletes will start in a Time Trail (TT) format starting after the elite wave and duathlon.
All athletes and spectators are encouraged to stay at The Forge after the race for a post-race celebration. Food and beverage will be available for purchase at The Foundry and the activities at The Forge will be open.
Results & Photos
Results
2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 results are here: Forge Triathlon Results
Race Photos & Video
Athletes’ Guide
Everything you need to know and likely more than you need or want to know is in our:
Any questions? Contact us today!
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Contact Information
Volunteering
Not racing? Sign up here: We love volunteers.
Sponsors and Partners
For Sponsor and Partnership Information Contact: Dave Fako at forgeraces@gmail.com or 708-705-6791
Questions?
Questions about the race? Contact: Dave Fako at forgeraces@gmail.com or 708-705-6791
