Des Plaines River Trail Marathon

Des Plaines River Trail Marathon 2026 Course Analysis

Des Plaines River Trail Marathon is a full marathon held in Libertyville, United States of America. It is scheduled for Saturday 10 October 2026. The course is run on trail surface with 144m of total climbing, with its high point near 220m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Des Plaines River Trail Marathon website.

Elevation Profile

With 144m of total climbing, this is a gently undulating course. The elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't greatly affect your pacing.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for October, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Near-ideal running temperatures are expected, ranging from 9°C to 17°C. This temperature range is widely considered optimal for marathon performance, allowing efficient heat dissipation without cold-related issues. There is a low chance of rain (2%), so dry conditions are likely.

Surface Type: Trail

Des Plaines River Trail Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are usually slower than the road equivalent - often by 10-20% - because of uneven footing, technical sections, and frequently steeper gradients, though a smooth, non-technical or downhill trail can run faster than that suggests. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Des Plaines River Trail Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.