The Next Loop 40M/50M Challenge | Deer Grove East

One Loop. One Goal. Keep Moving Forward.
The Next Loop 40M/50M Challenge at Deer Grove East Forest Preserve is a continuous-loop endurance event designed for runners who want to test their limits on a beautiful and runnable trail course.
Set within the scenic woodlands and prairie landscapes of Deer Grove East in Palatine, Illinois, runners will complete repeated loops of a clearly marked trail course, returning each lap to a centralized aid station and staging area. The loop format provides convenient access to hydration, nutrition, gear, and crew support throughout the day while allowing runners to focus on the challenge ahead.
Participants may choose between:
40 Mile Challenge
50 Mile Challenge
Both distances begin with a mass start at 7:00 AM and are run continuously until the distance is completed or the event cutoff is reached.
The Deer Grove East course offers a mix of smooth dirt trails, crushed limestone paths, wooded sections, and gentle rolling terrain that remains approachable while still demanding respect as the miles accumulate. As the day progresses, success becomes less about speed and more about pacing, fueling, determination, and mental toughness.
This event is ideal for:
First-time ultramarathon runners
Athletes preparing for longer ultra-distance goals
Experienced runners seeking a fast and supportive course
Anyone looking to discover how far they can go when they refuse to quit
Pacers are permitted after the halfway point, and runners may establish a personal staging area near the start/finish and aid station for easy access to supplies throughout the event.
Unlike The Next Loop Endurance Series, which uses an hourly-start format, the 40M/50M Challenge is a continuous-running event. Once the race begins, runners continue moving toward their chosen distance until they finish.
Whether you're chasing your first ultra finish or your next personal best, Deer Grove East provides the perfect setting to push beyond what you thought possible.
No DNF. Every Mile Counts.
Your Endurance. No Limits. One More Loop.

Event's current local time: 12:46 PM CT