Prepare for an autumn adventure that blends challenge with pure delight at the Fancy Nonsense 25k/50k, set for October 24, 2026, in the picturesque Palos Trail System near Willow Springs, IL. Organized by CUSS Running, this event is more than just a race; it's an "autumnal running soirée" designed to reignite the joy in every stride. You can choose your challenge from 50K, 25K, or a scenic 5-mile distance.

The course itself is a semi-technical and entirely runnable 5.5-mile loop through the woods of Red Gate Woods, offering mostly single track that winds through a "kaleidoscope of fall colors" with leaves crunching underfoot. Expect around 1400 feet of elevation gain for the 25K and roughly 2800 feet for the 50K, ensuring a satisfying test of your limits. Adding to the unique experience, runners will pass by the historic buried remains of Chicago Pile-1, the world's first nuclear reactor. Typical race day conditions in late October feature highs around 57F and lows near 36F, with a modest 12% chance of precipitation, creating crisp, ideal running weather.

Fancy Nonsense is renowned for its inclusive atmosphere and playful spirit, aiming to make you "smile, you will laugh, you may even be a little confused." Aid stations, strategically placed with two for 25K runners and five for 50K participants, are stocked with typical ultra fare, including water, soda, snacks, and even doughnuts, promising "quirky surprises" to keep your spirits high. The start and finish hub at Red Gate Woods serves as the central aid station, where crews can meet their runners, though pacers are not permitted. Join the Curious Ultrarunner's Secret Society for an intimate event that celebrates the magic of trail running.