2026 Midwest Regional Series

Part of the 2026 Midwest Regional Series

Your race is more than a single event—it's part of the EverFurther Midwest Regional Series, a collection of trail endurance events held across the Midwest using The Next Loop's signature 5K loop format. Each venue offers its own unique terrain and scenery while delivering the same welcoming atmosphere, consistent support, and opportunity to challenge yourself one loop at a time.

Whether you're running a single event or planning to experience every venue, the Midwest Regional Series gives you the chance to explore new trails, connect with the EverFurther community, and measure your progress throughout the season.

• Unique trail venues across the Midwest
• Consistent race format that's easy to learn and rewarding to master
• Perfect for first-time trail runners, marathoners, and ultrarunners alike
• Build endurance, compare performances, and celebrate every mile earned

Run one event—or make it your goal to experience them all. Every course is different. Every loop counts. Every mile matters.

The Next Loop Endurance Series

• Race Date: August 8, 2026
• Race Distances: 5K, 10K, 15K, Half Marathon (13.1 miles), Marathon (26.2 miles), 50K
• Race Location: Palatine, Illinois (Deer Grove East Forest Preserve)
• Cut-off Times: None specified
• Start Time: 7:00 AM CDT

Who this race is for: Whether you're tackling your very first trail 5K or looking for a creative way to train for your next marathon or ultra, The Next Loop is designed to meet you where you are. New runners will appreciate the low-pressure format, while experienced athletes can experiment with pacing, nutrition, and endurance strategies in a supportive, community-focused environment.

What if you never had to decide your race distance before the starting horn? The Next Loop Endurance Series flips the traditional race format on its head, allowing runners to earn every mile one loop at a time. Set among the scenic woodlands and open prairie of Deer Grove East Forest Preserve in Palatine, Illinois, this unique endurance event gives you complete control over your day—continue when you're feeling strong or finish with pride knowing every completed loop counts.

Rather than locking participants into a single distance, The Next Loop encourages progression instead of pressure. Every lap is an accomplishment, every finish is official, and success is defined by your own goals—not by arbitrary cutoffs or predetermined distances.

The Next Loop: Deer Grove East

Join us at Deer Grove East Forest Preserve in Palatine, Illinois, for a trail-running experience built around flexibility, endurance, and community. Set on a scenic 5K loop through mature woodlands, open prairie, and well-maintained trails, every lap returns you to a centralized Start/Finish area with full aid, crew access, and personal gear just steps away.

Choose the experience that fits your goals—from the flexible Endurance Series where every completed loop counts, to the continuous 40 Mile and 50 Mile Challenges designed for runners ready to push deeper into ultra-distance racing.

• The Next Loop Endurance Series – Flexible 5K to 50K hourly loop format
• The Next Loop 40 Mile Challenge – Continuous 40-mile trail ultra
• The Next Loop 50 Mile Challenge – Continuous 50-mile trail ultra

The Next Loop 40 Mile Challenge

• Race Date: August 8, 2026
• Distance: 40 Miles
• Race Location: Deer Grove East Forest Preserve, Palatine, Illinois
• Time Limit: 12 Hours
• Start Time: 7:00 AM CDT

Who this race is for: The 40 Mile Challenge is ideal for runners stepping beyond the marathon or looking for a substantial ultra-distance effort without committing to 50 miles. It rewards smart pacing, efficient fueling, and the ability to stay consistent throughout the day.

The Next Loop 40 Mile Challenge brings a traditional continuous ultra format to the scenic trails of Deer Grove East Forest Preserve. Unlike the Endurance Series, there are no hourly starts or decisions between laps. Once the race begins, you'll continue until you've completed approximately 40 miles or reached the event cutoff.

Using the same beautiful 5K loop through mature woodlands, open prairie, and well-maintained forest preserve trails, runners enjoy frequent access to aid, crew support, and personal gear while taking on the physical and mental challenge of a true trail ultra.

Complete approximately 13 loops (course mileage may vary slightly) to finish the challenge.

Race Format

• Distance: 40 Miles
• Race Style: Continuous trail race
• Time Limit: 12-hour hard cutoff
• Start: Mass start with other 40-mile competitors
• Field Limit: 75 runners
• Course: Approximately 13 loops of the scenic 5K trail course

Athlete Support & Logistics

• Fully stocked aid station every 5K loop
• Personal gear staging area with access every lap
• Dedicated athlete staging area
• Medical and safety support throughout the event
• Chip timing with individual lap splits

Who Should Race It?

Perfect for first-time ultra runners, marathoners ready to step up in distance, experienced trail runners seeking a fast and supported ultra, and athletes who appreciate loop racing with constant crew access and strategic pacing opportunities.

The Next Loop 50 Mile Challenge

• Race Date: August 8, 2026
• Distance: 50 Miles
• Race Location: Deer Grove East Forest Preserve, Palatine, Illinois
• Time Limit: 12 Hours
• Start Time: 7:00 AM CDT

Who this race is for: Built for ultrarunners seeking a supported, continuous 50-mile trail race. Whether you're chasing a personal best or earning your first 50-mile finish, this event rewards smart pacing, steady effort, and determination.

The Next Loop 50 Mile Challenge takes place on a scenic 5K loop through the woodlands, open prairie, and well-maintained trails of Deer Grove East Forest Preserve. Unlike the hourly Endurance Series, this is a traditional continuous race where every lap returns you to the same fully stocked aid station for efficient fueling, crew access, and personal gear.

Complete approximately 16 loops (course mileage may vary slightly) within the 12-hour cutoff. The repeatable loop format simplifies race-day logistics while demanding physical endurance, mental resilience, and disciplined pacing from start to finish.

Pacers are permitted beginning at 4:00 PM to help athletes through the closing miles.

Race Format

• Distance: 50 Miles
• Race Style: Continuous trail race
• Time Limit: 12-hour hard cutoff
• Start: Mass start
• Field Limit: 75 runners
• Course: Approximately 16 loops of the scenic 5K trail course

Athlete Support

Every lap includes access to a fully stocked aid station, personal gear, crew support, medical coverage, chip timing, and live lap split results, allowing runners to adjust pacing and fueling throughout the day.

Age Groups

• Open
• Masters (50–69)
• Grand Masters (70+)

Pacers

Pacers may join beginning at 4:00 PM after checking in and wearing official credentials. One pacer is permitted per athlete at a time and must enter and exit the course through the designated start/finish area.

Course Description

The race takes place on a clearly marked 3.1-mile (5K) loop through the scenic trails of Deer Grove East Forest Preserve in Palatine, Illinois. The course winds beneath a mature tree canopy, weaving through peaceful woodlands, open prairie sections, and well-maintained natural trails that provide a beautiful and approachable trail-running experience just northwest of Chicago.

The trail surface is primarily packed dirt with sections of crushed gravel and natural trail. Gentle rolling terrain, smooth singletrack, and flowing turns create a course that is welcoming to first-time trail runners while remaining engaging enough for experienced athletes looking to settle into a consistent rhythm over multiple laps.

After every loop, runners return to the central start/finish area and fully stocked aid station, making it easy to refuel, reconnect with family or crew, and decide whether they're ready for another hour on the trail.

Instead of committing to a fixed race distance before the event begins, runners build their mileage one lap at a time:

• 1 loop: 5K
• 2 loops: 10K
• 3 loops: 15K
• 4 loops: Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
• 9 loops: Marathon (26.2 miles)
• 10 loops: 50K

Whether your goal is one lap or all ten, every completed loop contributes to your official race result.

Race Format & Timing

The Next Loop's format is designed to reward consistency, smart pacing, and personal decision-making.

Every loop begins at the top of the hour, giving runners a scheduled recovery period between efforts. Use the break to hydrate, eat, stretch, change shoes, or simply relax before deciding whether to continue.

Your official results are based on the number of completed loops and your combined cumulative loop time.

Unlike traditional endurance races, there are no DNFs, missed cutoffs, or eliminations. When you decide your day is complete, your achievement is recognized exactly as you've earned it.

Aid Station & Support

A fully stocked central aid station is available before the start of every hourly loop, providing hydration and basic nutrition throughout the day.

Because every runner returns to the same base area after each lap, support crews, family members, and spectators can easily cheer participants on, assist with fueling, or help with gear changes without needing to move around the course. The loop format also makes pacing and nutrition adjustments simple throughout the event.

Runner Experience

Deer Grove East Forest Preserve offers one of the Chicago area's most welcoming trail-running venues, combining peaceful woodlands, open prairie landscapes, and well-maintained natural trails into a course that feels surprisingly removed from the surrounding suburbs. The smooth, flowing terrain keeps every lap enjoyable while the familiar loop allows runners to settle into a comfortable rhythm as the day unfolds.

The Next Loop creates an atmosphere that celebrates progress rather than perfection. Beginners can safely explore trail running without worrying about committing to more mileage than they're ready for, while experienced runners can use the format to practice pacing, nutrition, and race strategy over multiple hours. Every participant shares the same course, creating a welcoming community where first-time trail runners and seasoned ultrarunners encourage one another throughout the day.

Why Run The Next Loop?

Most endurance races ask you to commit to a finish line before you've even taken your first step. The Next Loop is different. Built around flexibility, progression, and community, every event is designed to help runners define success on their own terms—whether that's finishing one loop, setting a personal best, or conquering an ultra-distance goal.

• Choose Your Challenge: Select the Endurance Series, 40 Mile Challenge, or 50 Mile Challenge to match your goals and experience.
• Every Mile Matters: In the Endurance Series, every completed loop counts toward your official result—no DNFs, no missed cutoffs, and no pressure to continue beyond your goals.
• Constant Support: The centralized start/finish area provides easy access to aid, crew, nutrition, and personal gear throughout the day.
• Built for Smart Racing: Whether you're training for your next big event or racing for a personal best, the loop format makes pacing, fueling, and strategy easier than ever.
• Scenic Trail Experience: Enjoy beautiful singletrack, rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and forested terrain at one of the region's premier trail destinations.
• A Community That Cheers Every Finish: From first-time trail runners to seasoned ultrarunners, every achievement is celebrated and every runner belongs.

EverFurther Events

The Next Loop: Endurance Series is produced by EverFurther Events, co-founded by veteran endurance athletes Joe Johnson and Terry Madl. EverFurther was created to reimagine what endurance events could be — inclusive, progression-focused, and built for real-world athletes at every stage of their journey. Unlike traditional races that require a fixed distance commitment, EverFurther’s loop-based model emphasizes personal growth over elimination, and celebrates every mile earned. With decades of racing, directing, and life experience between them, Joe and Terry are on a mission to build events that are accessible, repeatable, and centered on community — giving athletes the freedom to define success on their own terms.

Event's current local time: 3:06 PM CT