Outlast Chicago 2026
OUTLAST Chicago 2026 takes place on May 2–3, 2026, at Deer Grove East in Palatine, Illinois. Participants can expect typical early May weather in the Chicago area, which often features mild temperatures ranging from highs in the 60s°F (15-20°C) to lows in the 40s°F (5-9°C), with a possibility of spring showers. This trail endurance event utilizes a brutal, repetitive format where runners attempt to complete a specific distance every hour on the hour to test their mental and physical limits.
What is the format of the OUTLAST Chicago 2026 event?
The event is a 6-hour trail endurance challenge. The format requires runners to complete a 5K lap every hour, on the hour. If a lap is completed within the 60-minute window, the runner moves to the next round; if the cutoff is missed, the participant is eliminated.
What are the race distances and requirements?
- →5K trail lap to be completed every hour for six consecutive hours.
What is the event schedule for both days?
- →5:30 AM – 6:30 AM: Packet Pickup
- →7:00 AM: Lap 1 Starts
- →8:00 AM: Lap 2
- →9:00 AM: Lap 3
- →10:00 AM: Lap 4
- →11:00 AM: Lap 5
- →12:00 PM: Lap 6
- →1:00 PM: Event Ends and Awards
What are the key race rules?
- →Each 5K must be finished within the 60-minute hourly cutoff to continue.
- →Missing a lap cutoff results in immediate elimination.
- →Walking is permitted, provided the runner beats the hourly cutoff.
- →This is a cupless event; participants must bring their own hydration system or bottle.
- →Only those who complete all six laps are eligible for the official medal and national leaderboard ranking.
What rewards and achievements can participants earn?
- →4 laps completed: "Grit Earned" patch
- →5 laps completed: "Survivor" patch
- →6 laps completed: Premium "OUTLAST" medal and a national leaderboard ranking
- →Completion of both Saturday & Sunday: "TOUGHER N' NAILS" Double OUTLAST Plaque (Use code TOUGHER10 for 10% off)
- →All participants: A premium OUTLAST Tee
What prizes and competition opportunities are available?
- →Local Winner: Top male and female with the fastest combined 5K times receive the 1st Place OUTLAST award.
- →National Leaderboard: The fastest runner across all OUTLAST 6-hour events wins $1,000 and the title of National Champion.
- →OUTLAST Championship: 1st place male and female from each city qualify for the end-of-tour championship, where winners receive $1,000 each.
- →Championship Invitation: The top 100 best times nationally are also invited to the Championship.
What should I bring to the event?
- →Trail shoes suitable for dirt, rocks, roots, and elevation changes.
- →A mandatory hydration system (due to the cupless format).
- →Weather-appropriate clothing layers.
- →Fuel and snacks for recovery between laps.
- →Optional: Personal tent or aid station setup for your basecamp.
Where is the course located and what is the terrain like?
The course is located at Deer Grove East. You can view the route via Strava ↗. The terrain consists of trails featuring dirt, rocks, roots, and elevation changes, with some sections of pavement and gravel mixed in.