A Guide to Chicago's Dirt Circus Ultra!The Dirt Circus is coming to the Chicago, IL Area. Dirt Circus is a series of free community events organized by UltraSignup to celebrate local races, directors, and trail running. The event includes a social run, food, a raffle with prizes, camaraderie, and so much more. Come over & join the fun!AuthorsSteller
DestinationsChicagoItinerary

Where to Fuel Up

Summer Moon Coffee
Start the morning with a delicious coffee from this local favorite just outside of downtown Crystal Lake.
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AROMA Coffee & Wine
Perfect for a pre-run coffee or a post-run glass of wine! Located in downtown, it is a quick run (or drive) from the event grounds.
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Big Shoulders Coffee
If you're commuting from Chicago, stop into this modern, adorable coffee-centric café on your way.
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Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea
Right along Millenium Park and Michigan Ave., a popular, early-morning spot for runners, this café serves up local beans and brews. An iced coffee in the summer is the perfect post-run fuel to keep that runners high all day long!
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Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio
If you're commuting from Chicago, treat yourself to a delicious Italian meal to fuel up for the event. The gnochetti con pesto is to die for!
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da Baffone Cucina Italiana
If you're local to Crystal Lake, don't worry, da Baffone has you covered! Their traditional chicken parmesan or the pasta e fagioli are favorites, especially before a big run.
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Dirt Circus Chicago Event

The Running Depot
This event is possible because of the local partnership of The Running Depot in Crystal Lake, IL. Stop on in for all the running shoes, apparel, and other gear you could need!
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Veteran Acres Park
The location of the event! There is more information to come regarding the race route and parking areas... Stay tuned!
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Post-Festival Fun!

Crystal Lake Brewing
After the event, continue the fun with a beer at this local favorite. Always bumping at the bar and home to many tables, you'll be sure to have a great time here!
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Parlay Lincoln Park
Head into the city for a happy hour to remember; this casual spot in Lincoln Park is the perfect fuel after a run. From delicious wings and Chicago pizza to their $5 spritzes, this is THE happening spot!
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Pizza Lobo Logan Square
Grab a slice (or two) and a drink at this outdoor favorite, perfect for Chicago's lovely September weather in the evening! It is also great for larger groups, making the split check easier to handle and pleasing everyone with different flavored slices!
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Other Local Running Favorites

Three Oaks Recreation Area
The lake loop trail is approximately 3.4 miles long, perfect for a warm-up run. Enjoy the sandy waterfront area, rocky shores as the sun rises, or the spouting fountain in this park. With a longer run, you can explore it all!
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Lippold Park
Walk or run the 3-mile Wetland Loop through this family-friendly outdoor park.
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Sterne's Woods & Fen
Run Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve via the Aqua Trail — Prairie Ridge Conservation Area trail, which is about 2 miles long. It is a great taste of Northern Illinois trail running!
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Lakefront Trail
If you're heading in from the city, start with a warm-up run along Chicago's sparkling lakefront. The breeze, the blue waters, and the towering skyscrapers will help you pass the time as you rack up the miles.
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Places to Stay

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
Located right on the lakefront, near park running trails and the heart of downtown, its sleek, modern feel will feel great to come back to after a run. Check out their rooftop too! (You can probably see some of your routes from up there)
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Chicago Athletic Association - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Stay right on Michigan Ave., just steps from the lakefront trail and Millennium Park. Complete with a stunning rooftop and a modern-chic feel, this stay is a real treat!
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Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Crystal Lake, IL
A homier feel, these suites make running out your door in Crystal Lake possible! Explore the Three Oaks Recreation Area, just a few blocks from your stay, or start the day at Summer Moon, right next door.
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Comfort Inn Crystal Lake - Algonquin
Stay locally at these clean and easy rooms just a stone's throw from downtown! It will make your commute to the event super quick and easy.
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