Fancy Nonsense 25k/50k

A Nonsensical Running Experience

My mind is always looking for a good trick to pull or some shenanigans to get into. I've been voted the prankster of the office. My imagination runs wild on most of my runs. When I'm in the woods, I pretend I'm a hobbit running through the woods on an especially important quest. It's this combination of mischief and imagination that the Fancy Nonsense 25k/50k was born. The course is designed to allow the runner a space to return to the joy of running. Yes, you will accomplish your goal distance. More importantly, you will smile, you will laugh, you may even be a little confused. You will test your mental and physical limits while I tickle your funny bone.

The race starts and finishes at Red Gate Wods in the Palos Trail System just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago. The course will wind you on mostly single track. Aid stations will be stocked with your typical ultra fare. Cut off time for both races is 5pm. Register by Sept. 15th for a guaranteed shirt.

Race Details

• Packet Pick-Up: 7:00am-7:45am for the 50k runners & 8:05am-8:45am for the 25k runners at Red Gate Woods this year
• Day Of: 8:00am start for the 50k runners, 9:00am start for the 25k runners
• Pre-race briefing to review course markings. Major intersections will be marked. Each runner will be given a fully marked course map at packet pickup.
• Cut off time for both races is 5pm.

Course

The course is a 5.5 mile loop. You'll run a loop, come back by the aid station and then run another loop until you hit your distance. It's a mostly single track and entirely runnable.

• Aid Stations: 2 aid stations for the 25k runners, 5 aid stations for the 50k runners. Stocked with water, soda, snacks, doughnuts, and more.
• Crews: Can touch base with their runner at Red Gate Woods. No pacers allowed.

About CUSS Running

Curious Ultrarunner's Secret Society was established to inject a sense of whimsy into training calendars, split times, and fartleks. Our goal is to build a community that creates a space for the individual to fall in love with the magic of running. Mission: To help others fall in love with ultrarunning. Vision: To make you & the world slightly better through laughter & pain.

BIPOC & LGBTQ+ Entries: Free entries are available for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ athletes. Email [email protected] for a code.

Entrance Policy for Transgender Athletes: Accepted at face value based on declared gender.

Entrance Policy for Non-Binary Athletes: Acknowledge, respect, and provide opportunity. Email [email protected] after registration to amend records.