Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Clinton Lake trail compare to other trail ultras in Illinois?	It may be the hardest of the trail ultras in Illinois. Over 90% single-track trail with a bit of grass and pavement. It’s comparable to McNaughton Park. McNaughton has steeper and longer hills, but Clinton Lake has many more small hills. It’s only 30 miles, but will easily feel like a long 50K. Now that McNaughton Park has dropped its 30 mile option…come on out to the new Clinton Lake 30 Miler…and run McNaughton 50, 100, or 150 two weeks later!
I heard a rumor that there will be an Illinois “Trail Ultra Grand Slam” in 2008, is that right?	Yes! Three other excellent trail ultras have agreed to be part of an Illinois Grand Slam in 2008. We haven’t worked out all the details, but if you run all four of these fine ultras, there will be a special prize. Something extra special for the M/F winners. Here are the IL “Trail Ultra Grand Slam” Races: Clinton Lake 30-Mile Trail Run http://www.secondwindrunningclub.org/Clinton/Clinton.htm McNaughton Park Trail Runs http://www.mcnaughtonparktrailruns.com Rock Cut Hobo 50K http://www.rockfordroadrunners.org Farmdale Trail Runs http://www.farmdaletrailrun.com
How many aid stations will be on the course?	There will be 2 full aid stations stocked with food and drinks at start/finish and about 5 miles. We will likely have 1 or 2 unmanned water-only aid stations along the course too. Please bring a water bottle.
What kind of sports drink and food will you have at the aid stations?	Each full aid station will have basic food, water, and Succeed! Ultra sports drink. There may be some different drinks at the finish line. We’ll have the typical ultra foods at the 2 main stations (M&Ms, chips, pretzels, bananas, cookies, Succeed! Electrolyte Caps, soda, etc. If you are picky, bring your own gels and powder to mix on the course. Succeed! is a great race sponsor so we will not have other competing sports drinks.
Will there be a big post race party with lots of food and drink?	Not this year. We should have some extra refreshments and food at the finish, but not a big party.
Will there be practice runs on the course before race day?	Practice runs are scheduled for January, February, and March. Check the Marathon Training webpage for details. The RD and his friends run the course regularly and would be happy to take you out for a test run almost anytime. Seriously, send Chris Migotsky a note and he’ll run with you almost any weekend.
Can I walk around the course the day before to get a feel for the terrain?	Yes, but don't get lost! There is hunting on parts of the course so be careful and wear bright colors.
Is there a cash award for course records?	Depends on what you call an “award.” Yes, we will provide some cash every year for new male or female course records (including the first year). It may be $100 or it may be $1. Don’t run fast just to get the cash.
Is there camping at this recreation area?	Yes, but not right next to the race course. See the Illinois DNR web site for more information at: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/R3/clinton.htm
Do we really get all that good stuff for only $45?	Yes! In addition to running one of the nicest trails in Illinois, you will get Marathon & Beyond coolmax socks (sock sizing), a 6-month subscription or renewal to Marathon & Beyond magazine (new subscriptions will start with the March/April 2007 issue), a technical race shirt, and nice finisher award. Male and female winners in the open (Under 40), master (40-49), and grandmaster (50 and over) categories will get an additional special award. We’ll throw in a few random prizes too. And you will have completed the first race in the 2008 Illinois Trail Ultra Grand Slam!
This race sounds awesome! Why only 125 runners?	We only let in 75 runners last year. By popular demand and with approval from DNR, we have expanded to 125 runners this year. We need to limit the number of runners to ensure a good outcome for the race, park, and running club. Please note that registration closes on March 1 whether we’ve reached the limit or not.